An Emotional Dictionary by Susie Dent

Book Review Feb 06, 2023

My review

4/5 stars

I really enjoyed my first foray into the world of Susie Dent's books last year, so when this one popped up as a recommendation, I was all too happy to oblige. I'm a very emotional person, so the idea of having more words at my fingertips to describe how I'm feeling was intriguing, to say the least.

As with Word Perfect, I chose to listen to this on audiobook, as I found the author's voice to be very calming and reassuring. It really adds to the enjoyability of the listening experience if the author reads the book themselves, and does it well - Susie Dent delivers on both fronts.

This book covers the entire spectrum of emotions, meaning that some entries were particularly humorous, others were based on fact and delivered in a very straightforward manner, and others again provided a sombre, deep tone. It was lovely so much of the human experience described in, sometimes fanciful, terms that I've not come across yet.

Those more obscure entries, words from a forgotten age, were my favourite part of the book. We are encouraged, as a society, to be more open about our feelings than ever before these days, so, as the author so aptly observes, it seems odd that some of these words aren't used more frequently today. There were a few that, despite being from another age, seem perfectly fitting for today's modern world and I'm determined to use them more in my everyday conversations.

Brilliant book, perfect for word lovers!

Book blurb

Whether it's the distress of a bad haircut (AGE-OTORI) or longing for the food someone else is eating (GROAKING), the pleasure found in other people's happiness (CONFELICITY) or the shock of jumping into icy water (CURGLAFF), there are real words to pinpoint exactly how you feel and Susie Dent, Queen of Countdown's Dictionary Corner and lexicographer extraordinaire, is going to help you find them.

Here are 1001 terms everyone needs, whether it's the best kind of hug (CWTCH), the relief found in swearing (LALOCHEZIA), or the ability to endure till the end (PERTOLERANCE).

It's time to rediscover the lost positives of language (and be more GORM); find out how a stork gave us the word for the love between parent and child, and who the first MAVERICK was. Packed with unexpected stories and unforgettable words, on a mission to describe the indescribable, this life-enhancing book will deepen your vocabulary as much as it extends it.