A Dictionary Of Fabulosity

In the last few days I have been reading a dictionary. Of course, a dictionary lacks a story plot or, indeed, a substantive argument. It is quite permissible to delve anywhere into a dictionary and be entertained. Have I finally lost my marbles you may ask? Is dementia finally taking its toll? No, this is not just any old dictionary of the English language; this is Dr Johnson's dictionary. The book that I have here on my desk is nowhere near complete but is a 650 page anthology put together by lexicographer David Crystal. Dr Johnson's dictionary was a dictionary of 18th century English and even by that standard it does have some strange entries. But, today, it is these that excite the most. Language evolves, of course, but there are many words that Dr Johnson identifies that could well serve us today but which have died out in the last 250 years. Dr Johnson both helps and entertains us with his entries by giving examples of the use of his words in contemporary literature and Shakespeare.

Vaticide - a murderer of poets. Why has this been allowed to lapse. There is many a present poetic scribbler who may deserve to be dispatched for the public good.

Expenseless - without cost. Surely an adjective that could have been offered to our MPs

Earwitness - one who attests or can attest anything as heard by himself. An excellent word. Why has this disappeared?

Nidorous - resembling the smell or taste of roasted fat. An onomatopoeic word that sounds delicious. Johnson gives an example by quoting Bacon.

Nightbrawler - one who raises disturbances in the night. Another word which could be much used today.

Potvaliant - heated with courage by strong drink. More English than Dutch courage - which relies on gin.

But Dr Johnson is not uncritical when he includes certain words in his dictionary.

Anthropophaginian - a ludicrous word formed by Shakespeare from anthropophagi for the sake of a formidable sound.

I could go on. So many splendid words and fascinating examples of their uses. Complete editions of Dr Johnson's Dictionary are mainly confined to libraries these days but the magnitude of his achievement is well illustrated by this anthology of words.

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