The Wonder of Whiffling and Other Sadly Neglected Words in the English Language

by Adam Jacot de Boinod

"The Wonder of Whiffling" is a hugely enjoyable, surprising and rewarding tour around the language of the British Isles (with plenty of fine coinages from our English-speaking cousins across the pond, Down Under and elsewhere). Discover all sorts of words you've always wished existed but never knew, such as fornale, to spend one's money before it has been earned; cagg, a solemn vow or resolution not to get drunk for a certain time; and petrichor, the pleasant smell that accompanies the first rain after a dry spell. Delving passionately into the English language, Adam Jacot de Boinod also discovers why it is you wouldn't want to have dinner with a vice admiral of the narrow seas, why Jacobites toasted the little gentleman in black velvet, and why a Nottingham Goodnight is better than one from anywhere else.

Genres: Language, Nonfiction, Humor, Reference

192 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2010

About the author

Adam Jacot de Boinod is a British author, notable for his works about unusual words, such as his last name. Usually known as Jacot, he has written three books, the first two looking at words which have no equivalent in the English language, and his third book which reveals unusual words in English.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many gorgeous words it is almost painfully enjoyable to read. Without this book I would never be abe to refer to myself as a dobbet, (a short, stumpy little person), or a grinagog (someone who is always grinning, believe it or not). I would never have known how how apt an adjective 'mackabroin' could be, from 1546 and meaning, if you really want to know, 'a hideous old woman'. And where would any of us be without the words goostrumnoodle and clumperton to mean 'fool'?; or 'clitherer' to refer to a woman who has far too much to say? [which may, perhaps, describe my own character as well...:]. Throw in 'kankedort' as an awkward situation, 'clatterfart' as someone who blabbers on, and substitute 'the lights are on but no-one's home' for the far more hilarious Australian alternative of 'the wheel is turning but the hamster's dead', and you already have enough to warrant five stars. Read all 243 pages and the star-rating jumps off the chart!