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Giovana F.
242 words 2 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. followup
    a piece of work that exploits or builds on earlier work
    Engel's piece, along with a followup of reader peeves, attracted the attention of American language watchers.
  2. peeve
    an annoyance
    Engel's piece, along with a followup of reader peeves, attracted the attention of American language watchers.
  3. lexicographer
    a compiler or writer of a dictionary
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  4. American English
    the English language as used in the United States
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  5. fantasy world
    something existing solely in the imagination
    Rowling's inventive use of language has been a key to conjuring the fantasy world of the Potterverse, and that language has seeped into real-world usage as well.
  6. unexpurgated
    not having material deleted
    Here we present Barrett's unexpurgated response to Engel.
  7. eared
    having ears or having ears of a specified kind
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Vocabulary, Words
    21 comments Dog Eared Books we love
    Roy Blount, Jr. is Back with "Alphabetter Juice"4.5 (9 votes)
    July 25, 2011
    In 2009, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roy Blount, Jr. on the occasion of the publication of Alphabet Juice, a compilation of his linguistic musings presented in dictionary style.
  8. American language
    the English language as used in the United States
    Engel's piece, along with a followup of reader peeves, attracted the attention of American language watchers.
  9. Zimmer
    a light enclosing framework (trade name Zimmer) with rubber castors or wheels and handles; helps invalids or the handicapped or the aged to walk
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  10. lexicon
    a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words
    MAGAZINE
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    Does E-Mail Have Fingerprints?5
  11. Americanism
    an expression that is characteristic of English as spoken by Americans
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  12. subtitle
    secondary or explanatory name of a literary composition
    Blount's wit is just as sharp in this followup, which he subtitles "The Joy of Text."
  13. linguistics
    the scientific study of language
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  14. oeuvre
    the total output of a writer or artist
    Rowling's oeuvre.
  15. ruckus
    the act of making a noisy disturbance
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  16. pop-up
    a short high fly ball
    TOPICS: Fun, Language, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    Tot Moms and Baby Mamas5 (8 votes)
    July 11, 2011 - 6 Comments
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    High-Definition TV: Do Viewers Need Pop-Up Vocab Assistance?5
  17. seep
    pass gradually or leak or as if through small openings
    Rowling's inventive use of language has been a key to conjuring the fantasy world of the Potterverse, and that language has seeped into real-world usage as well.
  18. fingerprint
    a print made by an impression of the ridges in the skin of a finger
    MAGAZINE
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    Does E-Mail Have Fingerprints?5
  19. excerpt
    a passage selected from a larger work
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Blog Excerpts
    Trans-Atlantic Peeving4.5 (14 votes)
    July 21, 2011
    The BBC Magazine ran a piece by Matthew Engel last week entitled, "Why do some Americanisms irritate people?"
  20. topic
    the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  21. linguistic
    consisting of or related to language
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  22. entitle
    give the right to
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  23. irritate
    cause annoyance in
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  24. single out
    select from a group
    The Beeb then asked its readers to single out the American expressions they most despise, and in a followup gathered the top 50 peeves.
  25. Friend
    a member of the Religious Society of Friends founded by George Fox (the Friends have never called themselves Quakers)
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  26. linguist
    a specialist in the study of language
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  27. close down
    cease to operate or cause to cease operating
    The reader query generated a huge response -- 1,295 comments were posted before the BBC closed down the comment section -- but the most entertaining and incisive reactions came from language bloggers.
  28. sign up
    engage by written agreement
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  29. pathway
    a trodden path
    MAGAZINE
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    Does E-Mail Have Fingerprints?5
  30. usage
    the act of employing
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Blog Excerpts
    Trans-Atlantic Peeving4.5 (14 votes)
    July 21, 2011
    The BBC Magazine ran a piece by Matthew Engel last week entitled, "Why do some Americanisms irritate people?"
  31. incisive
    demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
    The reader query generated a huge response -- 1,295 comments were posted before the BBC closed down the comment section -- but the most entertaining and incisive reactions came from language bloggers.
  32. tot
    a young child
    TOPICS: Fun, Language, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    Tot Moms and Baby Mamas5 (8 votes)
    July 11, 2011 - 6 Comments
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    High-Definition TV: Do Viewers Need Pop-Up Vocab Assistance?5
  33. comment
    a statement that expresses a personal opinion
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  34. blogger
    a person who keeps and updates an online journal
    The reader query generated a huge response -- 1,295 comments were posted before the BBC closed down the comment section -- but the most entertaining and incisive reactions came from language bloggers.
  35. forensic
    used in the investigation of facts or evidence in court
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  36. potter
    a craftsperson who makes ceramic objects
    TOPICS: Books, Language, Usage, Words
    Post a comment Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    A Muggle's View of Potter-Speak4.5 (18 votes)
    July 15, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    With the final Harry Potter movie opening this weekend, many are reflecting on the last legacy of J.K.
  37. conjuring
    calling up a spirit or devil
    Rowling's inventive use of language has been a key to conjuring the fantasy world of the Potterverse, and that language has seeped into real-world usage as well.
  38. explore
    travel to or penetrate into
    MAGAZINE
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    Does E-Mail Have Fingerprints?5
  39. e-mail
    (computer science) a system of world-wide electronic communication in which a computer user can compose a message at one terminal that can be regenerated at the recipient's terminal when the recipient logs in
    MAGAZINE
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    Does E-Mail Have Fingerprints?5
  40. viewer
    a close observer; someone who looks at something
    TOPICS: Fun, Language, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    Tot Moms and Baby Mamas5 (8 votes)
    July 11, 2011 - 6 Comments
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    High-Definition TV: Do Viewers Need Pop-Up Vocab Assistance?5
  41. Word
    the divine word of God; the second person in the Trinity
    MAGAZINE
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    Does E-Mail Have Fingerprints?5
  42. dilute
    lessen the strength or flavor of a solution or mixture
    Lexicographer Grant Barrett had some pointed criticisms for Engel, which the BBC ran in diluted fashion.
  43. dictionary
    a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  44. vocabulary
    a language user's knowledge of words
    VOCABULARY.COM
  45. compilation
    the act of putting together
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Vocabulary, Words
    21 comments Dog Eared Books we love
    Roy Blount, Jr. is Back with "Alphabetter Juice"4.5 (9 votes)
    July 25, 2011
    In 2009, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roy Blount, Jr. on the occasion of the publication of Alphabet Juice, a compilation of his linguistic musings presented in dictionary style.
  46. watcher
    a guard who keeps watch
    Engel's piece, along with a followup of reader peeves, attracted the attention of American language watchers.
  47. diluted
    reduced in strength or concentration or quality or purity
    Lexicographer Grant Barrett had some pointed criticisms for Engel, which the BBC ran in diluted fashion.
  48. imprint
    mark or stamp with or as if with pressure
    In print and on screen, the Harry Potter franchise has been incredibly successful, and it's only natural that such a mass phenomenon would leave its imprint on popular culture, including the popular lexicon.
  49. contribute
    give, provide, or supply something
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  50. muse
    reflect deeply on a subject
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Vocabulary, Words
    21 comments Dog Eared Books we love
    Roy Blount, Jr. is Back with "Alphabetter Juice"4.5 (9 votes)
    July 25, 2011
    In 2009, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roy Blount, Jr. on the occasion of the publication of Alphabet Juice, a compilation of his linguistic musings presented in dictionary style.
  51. email
    (computer science) a system of world-wide electronic communication in which a computer user can compose a message at one terminal that can be regenerated at the recipient's terminal when the recipient logs in
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  52. juice
    the liquid part that can be extracted from plant or animal tissue by squeezing or cooking
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Vocabulary, Words
    21 comments Dog Eared Books we love
    Roy Blount, Jr. is Back with "Alphabetter Juice"4.5 (9 votes)
    July 25, 2011
    In 2009, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roy Blount, Jr. on the occasion of the publication of Alphabet Juice, a compilation of his linguistic musings presented in dictionary style.
  53. language
    a means of communicating by the use of sounds or symbols
    Call the language detectives.
  54. inventive
    marked by independence and creativity in thought or action
    Rowling's inventive use of language has been a key to conjuring the fantasy world of the Potterverse, and that language has seeped into real-world usage as well.
  55. take a look
    look at with attention
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  56. conjure
    summon into action or bring into existence
    Rowling's inventive use of language has been a key to conjuring the fantasy world of the Potterverse, and that language has seeped into real-world usage as well.
  57. vote
    a choice made by counting people in favor of alternatives
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  58. mail
    the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
    MAGAZINE
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    Does E-Mail Have Fingerprints?5
  59. titled
    belonging to the peerage
    Now he's back with the sequel, titled, naturally, Alphabetter Juice.
  60. query
    an instance of questioning
    The reader query generated a huge response -- 1,295 comments were posted before the BBC closed down the comment section -- but the most entertaining and incisive reactions came from language bloggers.
  61. incredibly
    exceedingly; extremely
    In print and on screen, the Harry Potter franchise has been incredibly successful, and it's only natural that such a mass phenomenon would leave its imprint on popular culture, including the popular lexicon.
  62. mom
    informal terms for a mother
    TOPICS: Fun, Language, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    Tot Moms and Baby Mamas5 (8 votes)
    July 11, 2011 - 6 Comments
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    High-Definition TV: Do Viewers Need Pop-Up Vocab Assistance?5
  63. generate
    bring into existence
    The reader query generated a huge response -- 1,295 comments were posted before the BBC closed down the comment section -- but the most entertaining and incisive reactions came from language bloggers.
  64. musing
    deeply or seriously thoughtful
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Vocabulary, Words
    21 comments Dog Eared Books we love
    Roy Blount, Jr. is Back with "Alphabetter Juice"4.5 (9 votes)
    July 25, 2011
    In 2009, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roy Blount, Jr. on the occasion of the publication of Alphabet Juice, a compilation of his linguistic musings presented in dictionary style.
  65. July
    the month following June and preceding August
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  66. alphabet
    a set of characters that are used to write a language
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Vocabulary, Words
    21 comments Dog Eared Books we love
    Roy Blount, Jr. is Back with "Alphabetter Juice"4.5 (9 votes)
    July 25, 2011
    In 2009, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roy Blount, Jr. on the occasion of the publication of Alphabet Juice, a compilation of his linguistic musings presented in dictionary style.
  67. sequel
    something that follows something else
    Now he's back with the sequel, titled, naturally, Alphabetter Juice.
  68. Matthew
    disciple of Jesus
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  69. proven
    established beyond doubt
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  70. fantasy
    imagination unrestricted by reality
    Rowling's inventive use of language has been a key to conjuring the fantasy world of the Potterverse, and that language has seeped into real-world usage as well.
  71. route
    an established line of travel or access
    MAGAZINE
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    Does E-Mail Have Fingerprints?5
  72. reading
    written material intended to be read
    Continue reading...
  73. suggest
    make a proposal; declare a plan for something
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  74. archive
    a depository containing historical records and documents
    (19 votes)
    July 5, 2011 - 39 Comments
    Teachers at Work A column about teaching
    For the Class of 2011: One Last Vocab Review5 (12 votes)
    June 27, 2011 - 4 Comments
    Click here to browse all the articles in our archive by date.
  75. Book
    the sacred writings of the Christian religions
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Vocabulary, Words
    21 comments Dog Eared Books we love
    Roy Blount, Jr. is Back with "Alphabetter Juice"4.5 (9 votes)
    July 25, 2011
    In 2009, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roy Blount, Jr. on the occasion of the publication of Alphabet Juice, a compilation of his linguistic musings presented in dictionary style.
  76. viewers
    the audience reached by television
    TOPICS: Fun, Language, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    Tot Moms and Baby Mamas5 (8 votes)
    July 11, 2011 - 6 Comments
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    High-Definition TV: Do Viewers Need Pop-Up Vocab Assistance?5
  77. lawsuit
    any proceeding in a court whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  78. continue
    keep or maintain in unaltered condition
    Continue reading...
  79. magazine
    a periodic publication containing articles and pictures
    MAGAZINE
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    Does E-Mail Have Fingerprints?5
  80. browse
    feed as in a meadow or pasture
    (19 votes)
    July 5, 2011 - 39 Comments
    Teachers at Work A column about teaching
    For the Class of 2011: One Last Vocab Review5 (12 votes)
    June 27, 2011 - 4 Comments
    Click here to browse all the articles in our archive by date.
  81. jr.
    used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Vocabulary, Words
    21 comments Dog Eared Books we love
    Roy Blount, Jr. is Back with "Alphabetter Juice"4.5 (9 votes)
    July 25, 2011
    In 2009, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roy Blount, Jr. on the occasion of the publication of Alphabet Juice, a compilation of his linguistic musings presented in dictionary style.
  82. legacy
    a gift of personal property by will
    TOPICS: Books, Language, Usage, Words
    Post a comment Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    A Muggle's View of Potter-Speak4.5 (18 votes)
    July 15, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    With the final Harry Potter movie opening this weekend, many are reflecting on the last legacy of J.K.
  83. franchise
    a statutory right or privilege granted by a government
    In print and on screen, the Harry Potter franchise has been incredibly successful, and it's only natural that such a mass phenomenon would leave its imprint on popular culture, including the popular lexicon.
  84. clue
    evidence that helps to solve a problem
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  85. talk about
    to consider or examine in speech or writing
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  86. reflecting
    causing reflection or having a device that reflects
    TOPICS: Books, Language, Usage, Words
    Post a comment Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    A Muggle's View of Potter-Speak4.5 (18 votes)
    July 15, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    With the final Harry Potter movie opening this weekend, many are reflecting on the last legacy of J.K.
  87. Atlantic
    the 2nd largest ocean
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  88. grammar
    the branch of linguistics that deals with sentence structure
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  89. entitled
    qualified for by right according to law
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  90. Call
    a special disposition to pursue a particular course
    Call the language detectives.
  91. despise
    look down on with disdain or disgust
    The Beeb then asked its readers to single out the American expressions they most despise, and in a followup gathered the top 50 peeves.
  92. entertaining
    agreeably diverting or amusing
    The reader query generated a huge response -- 1,295 comments were posted before the BBC closed down the comment section -- but the most entertaining and incisive reactions came from language bloggers.
  93. reader
    a person who can read; a literate person
    Engel's piece, along with a followup of reader peeves, attracted the attention of American language watchers.
  94. click
    a short light metallic sound
    (19 votes)
    July 5, 2011 - 39 Comments
    Teachers at Work A column about teaching
    For the Class of 2011: One Last Vocab Review5 (12 votes)
    June 27, 2011 - 4 Comments
    Click here to browse all the articles in our archive by date.
  95. response
    the speech act of continuing a conversational exchange
    Here we present Barrett's unexpurgated response to Engel.
  96. entertain
    provide amusement for
    The reader query generated a huge response -- 1,295 comments were posted before the BBC closed down the comment section -- but the most entertaining and incisive reactions came from language bloggers.
  97. phenomenon
    any state or process known through the senses
    In print and on screen, the Harry Potter franchise has been incredibly successful, and it's only natural that such a mass phenomenon would leave its imprint on popular culture, including the popular lexicon.
  98. pick up
    take and lift upward
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  99. Grant
    18th President of the United States
    Lexicographer Grant Barrett had some pointed criticisms for Engel, which the BBC ran in diluted fashion.
  100. ben
    a mountain or tall hill
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  101. set off
    direct attention to, as if by means of contrast
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  102. get on
    get on board of (trains, buses, ships, aircraft, etc.)
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  103. definition
    a brief explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase
    TOPICS: Fun, Language, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    Tot Moms and Baby Mamas5 (8 votes)
    July 11, 2011 - 6 Comments
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    High-Definition TV: Do Viewers Need Pop-Up Vocab Assistance?5
  104. attract
    exert a force on
    Engel's piece, along with a followup of reader peeves, attracted the attention of American language watchers.
  105. picking
    the act of picking (crops or fruit or hops etc.)
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  106. founder
    a person who establishes some institution
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  107. detective
    a police officer who investigates crimes
    Call the language detectives.
  108. section
    one of several parts or pieces that fit with others
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  109. Post
    United States female author who wrote a book and a syndicated newspaper column on etiquette (1872-1960)
    TOPICS: Books, Language, Usage, Words
    Post a comment Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    A Muggle's View of Potter-Speak4.5 (18 votes)
    July 15, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    With the final Harry Potter movie opening this weekend, many are reflecting on the last legacy of J.K.
  110. reflect
    throw or bend back from a surface
    TOPICS: Books, Language, Usage, Words
    Post a comment Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    A Muggle's View of Potter-Speak4.5 (18 votes)
    July 15, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    With the final Harry Potter movie opening this weekend, many are reflecting on the last legacy of J.K.
  111. pop
    make a sharp explosive noise
    TOPICS: Fun, Language, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    Tot Moms and Baby Mamas5 (8 votes)
    July 11, 2011 - 6 Comments
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    High-Definition TV: Do Viewers Need Pop-Up Vocab Assistance?5
  112. weekend
    a time period usually extending from Friday night through Sunday; more loosely defined as any period of successive days including one and only one Sunday
    TOPICS: Books, Language, Usage, Words
    Post a comment Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    A Muggle's View of Potter-Speak4.5 (18 votes)
    July 15, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    With the final Harry Potter movie opening this weekend, many are reflecting on the last legacy of J.K.
  113. sign
    a visible clue that something has happened or is present
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  114. two weeks
    a period of fourteen consecutive days
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  115. subtle
    difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  116. reaction
    an idea evoked by some experience
    The reader query generated a huge response -- 1,295 comments were posted before the BBC closed down the comment section -- but the most entertaining and incisive reactions came from language bloggers.
  117. file
    record in a public office or in a court of law
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  118. piece
    a separate part of a whole
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  119. posted
    publicly announced
    The reader query generated a huge response -- 1,295 comments were posted before the BBC closed down the comment section -- but the most entertaining and incisive reactions came from language bloggers.
  120. blog
    an online journal where people post about their experiences
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Blog Excerpts
    Trans-Atlantic Peeving4.5 (14 votes)
    July 21, 2011
    The BBC Magazine ran a piece by Matthew Engel last week entitled, "Why do some Americanisms irritate people?"
  121. write
    name the letters that comprise the accepted form of
    Did Zuckerberg actually write the e-mails?
  122. harry
    make a pillaging or destructive raid on, as in wartimes
    TOPICS: Books, Language, Usage, Words
    Post a comment Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    A Muggle's View of Potter-Speak4.5 (18 votes)
    July 15, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    With the final Harry Potter movie opening this weekend, many are reflecting on the last legacy of J.K.
  123. read
    look at and say out loud something written or printed
    Continue reading...
  124. at work
    on the job
    (19 votes)
    July 5, 2011 - 39 Comments
    Teachers at Work A column about teaching
    For the Class of 2011: One Last Vocab Review5 (12 votes)
    June 27, 2011 - 4 Comments
    Click here to browse all the articles in our archive by date.
  125. screen
    partition consisting of a decorative frame or panel that serves to divide a space
    In print and on screen, the Harry Potter franchise has been incredibly successful, and it's only natural that such a mass phenomenon would leave its imprint on popular culture, including the popular lexicon.
  126. online
    connected to a computer network or accessible by computer
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  127. determine
    find out or learn with certainty, as by making an inquiry
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  128. publication
    the act of issuing printed materials
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Vocabulary, Words
    21 comments Dog Eared Books we love
    Roy Blount, Jr. is Back with "Alphabetter Juice"4.5 (9 votes)
    July 25, 2011
    In 2009, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roy Blount, Jr. on the occasion of the publication of Alphabet Juice, a compilation of his linguistic musings presented in dictionary style.
  129. movie
    a form of entertainment that enacts a story by sound and a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement
    TOPICS: Books, Language, Usage, Words
    Post a comment Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    A Muggle's View of Potter-Speak4.5 (18 votes)
    July 15, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    With the final Harry Potter movie opening this weekend, many are reflecting on the last legacy of J.K.
  130. gather
    assemble or get together
    The Beeb then asked its readers to single out the American expressions they most despise, and in a followup gathered the top 50 peeves.
  131. word
    a unit of language that native speakers can identify
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Blog Excerpts
    Trans-Atlantic Peeving4.5 (14 votes)
    July 21, 2011
    The BBC Magazine ran a piece by Matthew Engel last week entitled, "Why do some Americanisms irritate people?"
  132. column
    a line of units following one after another
    (19 votes)
    July 5, 2011 - 39 Comments
    Teachers at Work A column about teaching
    For the Class of 2011: One Last Vocab Review5 (12 votes)
    June 27, 2011 - 4 Comments
    Click here to browse all the articles in our archive by date.
  133. style
    how something is done or how it happens
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  134. popular
    regarded with great favor or approval by the general public
    In print and on screen, the Harry Potter franchise has been incredibly successful, and it's only natural that such a mass phenomenon would leave its imprint on popular culture, including the popular lexicon.
  135. criticism
    a serious examination and judgment of something
    Lexicographer Grant Barrett had some pointed criticisms for Engel, which the BBC ran in diluted fashion.
  136. writing
    symbols imprinted on a surface to represent sounds or words
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  137. Mark
    Apostle and companion of Saint Peter
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  138. Here
    queen of the Olympian gods in ancient Greek mythology
    Here we present Barrett's unexpurgated response to Engel.
  139. up on
    being up to particular standard or level especially in being up to date in knowledge
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  140. include
    have as a part; be made up out of
    In print and on screen, the Harry Potter franchise has been incredibly successful, and it's only natural that such a mass phenomenon would leave its imprint on popular culture, including the popular lexicon.
  141. wit
    mental ability
    Blount's wit is just as sharp in this followup, which he subtitles "The Joy of Text."
  142. teaching
    the activities of educating or instructing
    (19 votes)
    July 5, 2011 - 39 Comments
    Teachers at Work A column about teaching
    For the Class of 2011: One Last Vocab Review5 (12 votes)
    June 27, 2011 - 4 Comments
    Click here to browse all the articles in our archive by date.
  143. teach
    impart skills or knowledge to
    (19 votes)
    July 5, 2011 - 39 Comments
    Teachers at Work A column about teaching
    For the Class of 2011: One Last Vocab Review5 (12 votes)
    June 27, 2011 - 4 Comments
    Click here to browse all the articles in our archive by date.
  144. review
    look at again; examine again
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  145. key
    metal device that allows a lock's mechanism to be rotated
    Rowling's inventive use of language has been a key to conjuring the fantasy world of the Potterverse, and that language has seeped into real-world usage as well.
  146. culture
    all the knowledge and values shared by a society
    In print and on screen, the Harry Potter franchise has been incredibly successful, and it's only natural that such a mass phenomenon would leave its imprint on popular culture, including the popular lexicon.
  147. post
    piece of timber or metal fixed firmly in an upright position
    The reader query generated a huge response -- 1,295 comments were posted before the BBC closed down the comment section -- but the most entertaining and incisive reactions came from language bloggers.
  148. teacher
    a person whose occupation is instructing
    (19 votes)
    July 5, 2011 - 39 Comments
    Teachers at Work A column about teaching
    For the Class of 2011: One Last Vocab Review5 (12 votes)
    June 27, 2011 - 4 Comments
    Click here to browse all the articles in our archive by date.
  149. pick
    look for and gather
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  150. fun
    activities that are enjoyable or amusing
    TOPICS: Fun, Language, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    Tot Moms and Baby Mamas5 (8 votes)
    July 11, 2011 - 6 Comments
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    High-Definition TV: Do Viewers Need Pop-Up Vocab Assistance?5
  151. print
    the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication
    In print and on screen, the Harry Potter franchise has been incredibly successful, and it's only natural that such a mass phenomenon would leave its imprint on popular culture, including the popular lexicon.
  152. text
    the words of something written
    Blount's wit is just as sharp in this followup, which he subtitles "The Joy of Text."
  153. words
    language that is spoken or written
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Blog Excerpts
    Trans-Atlantic Peeving4.5 (14 votes)
    July 21, 2011
    The BBC Magazine ran a piece by Matthew Engel last week entitled, "Why do some Americanisms irritate people?"
  154. American
    of or relating to the United States of America or its people or language or culture
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  155. assistance
    the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need
    TOPICS: Fun, Language, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    Tot Moms and Baby Mamas5 (8 votes)
    July 11, 2011 - 6 Comments
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    High-Definition TV: Do Viewers Need Pop-Up Vocab Assistance?5
  156. mass
    the property of a body that causes it to have weight
    In print and on screen, the Harry Potter franchise has been incredibly successful, and it's only natural that such a mass phenomenon would leave its imprint on popular culture, including the popular lexicon.
  157. exchange
    the act of changing one thing for another thing
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  158. thanks
    an acknowledgment of appreciation
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  159. baby
    a very young mammal
    TOPICS: Fun, Language, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    Tot Moms and Baby Mamas5 (8 votes)
    July 11, 2011 - 6 Comments
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    High-Definition TV: Do Viewers Need Pop-Up Vocab Assistance?5
  160. choice
    the act of selecting
    Here are a few choice excerpts from the letter A. Continue reading...
  161. writer
    a person who is able to write and has written something
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  162. successful
    having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
    In print and on screen, the Harry Potter franchise has been incredibly successful, and it's only natural that such a mass phenomenon would leave its imprint on popular culture, including the popular lexicon.
  163. date
    the specified day of the month
    (19 votes)
    July 5, 2011 - 39 Comments
    Teachers at Work A column about teaching
    For the Class of 2011: One Last Vocab Review5 (12 votes)
    June 27, 2011 - 4 Comments
    Click here to browse all the articles in our archive by date.
  164. gathered
    brought together in one place
    The Beeb then asked its readers to single out the American expressions they most despise, and in a followup gathered the top 50 peeves.
  165. naturally
    in a natural or normal manner
    Now he's back with the sequel, titled, naturally, Alphabetter Juice.
  166. claim
    assert or affirm strongly
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  167. pointed
    having a point
    Lexicographer Grant Barrett had some pointed criticisms for Engel, which the BBC ran in diluted fashion.
  168. huge
    unusually great in amount or degree or extent or scope
    The reader query generated a huge response -- 1,295 comments were posted before the BBC closed down the comment section -- but the most entertaining and incisive reactions came from language bloggers.
  169. very much
    to a very great degree or extent
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  170. talk
    use language
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  171. title
    the name of a work of art or literary composition
    Now he's back with the sequel, titled, naturally, Alphabetter Juice.
  172. fashion
    the latest and most admired style in clothes or behavior
    Lexicographer Grant Barrett had some pointed criticisms for Engel, which the BBC ran in diluted fashion.
  173. sharp
    having a point or thin edge suitable for cutting or piercing
    Blount's wit is just as sharp in this followup, which he subtitles "The Joy of Text."
  174. run
    move fast by using one's feet
    Lexicographer Grant Barrett had some pointed criticisms for Engel, which the BBC ran in diluted fashion.
  175. prove
    establish the validity of something
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  176. article
    one of a class of artifacts
    (19 votes)
    July 5, 2011 - 39 Comments
    Teachers at Work A column about teaching
    For the Class of 2011: One Last Vocab Review5 (12 votes)
    June 27, 2011 - 4 Comments
    Click here to browse all the articles in our archive by date.
  177. holding
    the act of retaining something
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  178. opening
    an open or empty space in or between things
    TOPICS: Books, Language, Usage, Words
    Post a comment Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    A Muggle's View of Potter-Speak4.5 (18 votes)
    July 15, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    With the final Harry Potter movie opening this weekend, many are reflecting on the last legacy of J.K.
  179. actually
    in fact
    Did Zuckerberg actually write the e-mails?
  180. promise
    a verbal commitment agreeing to do something in the future
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  181. thank
    express gratitude or show appreciation to
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  182. final
    an exam administered at the end of an academic term
    TOPICS: Books, Language, Usage, Words
    Post a comment Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    A Muggle's View of Potter-Speak4.5 (18 votes)
    July 15, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    With the final Harry Potter movie opening this weekend, many are reflecting on the last legacy of J.K.
  183. Sunday
    first day of the week
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  184. dog
    a canine domesticated by man since prehistoric times
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Vocabulary, Words
    21 comments Dog Eared Books we love
    Roy Blount, Jr. is Back with "Alphabetter Juice"4.5 (9 votes)
    July 25, 2011
    In 2009, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roy Blount, Jr. on the occasion of the publication of Alphabet Juice, a compilation of his linguistic musings presented in dictionary style.
  185. June
    the month following May and preceding July
    (19 votes)
    July 5, 2011 - 39 Comments
    Teachers at Work A column about teaching
    For the Class of 2011: One Last Vocab Review5 (12 votes)
    June 27, 2011 - 4 Comments
    Click here to browse all the articles in our archive by date.
  186. behind
    in or to or toward the rear
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  187. closed
    not open
    The reader query generated a huge response -- 1,295 comments were posted before the BBC closed down the comment section -- but the most entertaining and incisive reactions came from language bloggers.
  188. look at
    look at carefully; study mentally
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  189. speaking
    capable of or involving speech or speaking
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Vocabulary, Words
    21 comments Dog Eared Books we love
    Roy Blount, Jr. is Back with "Alphabetter Juice"4.5 (9 votes)
    July 25, 2011
    In 2009, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roy Blount, Jr. on the occasion of the publication of Alphabet Juice, a compilation of his linguistic musings presented in dictionary style.
  190. expression
    the communication of your beliefs or opinions
    The Beeb then asked its readers to single out the American expressions they most despise, and in a followup gathered the top 50 peeves.
  191. occasion
    an event that occurs at a critical time
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Vocabulary, Words
    21 comments Dog Eared Books we love
    Roy Blount, Jr. is Back with "Alphabetter Juice"4.5 (9 votes)
    July 25, 2011
    In 2009, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roy Blount, Jr. on the occasion of the publication of Alphabet Juice, a compilation of his linguistic musings presented in dictionary style.
  192. Paul
    a Christian missionary to the Gentiles
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  193. class
    a collection of things sharing a common attribute
    (19 votes)
    July 5, 2011 - 39 Comments
    Teachers at Work A column about teaching
    For the Class of 2011: One Last Vocab Review5 (12 votes)
    June 27, 2011 - 4 Comments
    Click here to browse all the articles in our archive by date.
  194. author
    a person who writes professionally
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  195. joy
    the emotion of great happiness
    Blount's wit is just as sharp in this followup, which he subtitles "The Joy of Text."
  196. present
    happening or existing now
    Here we present Barrett's unexpurgated response to Engel.
  197. week
    any period of seven consecutive days
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  198. just as
    at the same time as
    Blount's wit is just as sharp in this followup, which he subtitles "The Joy of Text."
  199. pleasure
    something or someone that provides a source of happiness
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Vocabulary, Words
    21 comments Dog Eared Books we love
    Roy Blount, Jr. is Back with "Alphabetter Juice"4.5 (9 votes)
    July 25, 2011
    In 2009, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roy Blount, Jr. on the occasion of the publication of Alphabet Juice, a compilation of his linguistic musings presented in dictionary style.
  200. single
    existing alone or consisting of one entity or part or aspect or individual
    The Beeb then asked its readers to single out the American expressions they most despise, and in a followup gathered the top 50 peeves.
  201. opinion
    a personal belief or judgment
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  202. getting
    the act of acquiring something
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  203. attention
    the act of concentrating on something
    Engel's piece, along with a followup of reader peeves, attracted the attention of American language watchers.
  204. try
    make an effort or attempt
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  205. British
    of or relating to or characteristic of Great Britain or its people or culture
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  206. natural
    relating to or concerning the physical world
    In print and on screen, the Harry Potter franchise has been incredibly successful, and it's only natural that such a mass phenomenon would leave its imprint on popular culture, including the popular lexicon.
  207. top
    the upper part of anything
    The Beeb then asked its readers to single out the American expressions they most despise, and in a followup gathered the top 50 peeves.
  208. view
    the visual percept of a region
    TOPICS: Books, Language, Usage, Words
    Post a comment Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    A Muggle's View of Potter-Speak4.5 (18 votes)
    July 15, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    With the final Harry Potter movie opening this weekend, many are reflecting on the last legacy of J.K.
  209. why
    the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase `the whys and wherefores'
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  210. news
    information about recent and important events
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  211. last
    coming after all others in time or space or degree or being the only one remaining
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Blog Excerpts
    Trans-Atlantic Peeving4.5 (14 votes)
    July 21, 2011
    The BBC Magazine ran a piece by Matthew Engel last week entitled, "Why do some Americanisms irritate people?"
  212. New York
    the largest city in New York State and in the United States
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  213. ask
    make a request or demand for something to somebody
    The Beeb then asked its readers to single out the American expressions they most despise, and in a followup gathered the top 50 peeves.
  214. hold
    have in one's hands or grip
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  215. ago
    gone by; or in the past
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  216. real
    being or occurring in fact or actuality
    Rowling's inventive use of language has been a key to conjuring the fantasy world of the Potterverse, and that language has seeped into real-world usage as well.
  217. York
    the English royal house that reigned from 1461 to 1485
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  218. speak
    use language
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Vocabulary, Words
    21 comments Dog Eared Books we love
    Roy Blount, Jr. is Back with "Alphabetter Juice"4.5 (9 votes)
    July 25, 2011
    In 2009, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roy Blount, Jr. on the occasion of the publication of Alphabet Juice, a compilation of his linguistic musings presented in dictionary style.
  219. as well
    in addition
    Rowling's inventive use of language has been a key to conjuring the fantasy world of the Potterverse, and that language has seeped into real-world usage as well.
  220. letter
    a written message addressed to a person or organization
    Here are a few choice excerpts from the letter A. Continue reading...
  221. need
    require or want
    TOPICS: Fun, Language, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    Tot Moms and Baby Mamas5 (8 votes)
    July 11, 2011 - 6 Comments
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    High-Definition TV: Do Viewers Need Pop-Up Vocab Assistance?5
  222. close
    at or within a short distance in space or time
    The reader query generated a huge response -- 1,295 comments were posted before the BBC closed down the comment section -- but the most entertaining and incisive reactions came from language bloggers.
  223. have
    possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense
    MAGAZINE
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    Does E-Mail Have Fingerprints?5
  224. world
    the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
    Rowling's inventive use of language has been a key to conjuring the fantasy world of the Potterverse, and that language has seeped into real-world usage as well.
  225. English
    of or relating to England or its culture or people
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  226. leave
    go away from a place
    In print and on screen, the Harry Potter franchise has been incredibly successful, and it's only natural that such a mass phenomenon would leave its imprint on popular culture, including the popular lexicon.
  227. open
    affording free passage or access
    TOPICS: Books, Language, Usage, Words
    Post a comment Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    A Muggle's View of Potter-Speak4.5 (18 votes)
    July 15, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    With the final Harry Potter movie opening this weekend, many are reflecting on the last legacy of J.K.
  228. point
    a distinguishing or individuating characteristic
    Lexicographer Grant Barrett had some pointed criticisms for Engel, which the BBC ran in diluted fashion.
  229. along
    in line with a length or direction
    Engel's piece, along with a followup of reader peeves, attracted the attention of American language watchers.
  230. people
    any group of human beings collectively
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  231. back
    the posterior part of a human (or animal) body
    TOPICS: Language, Usage, Vocabulary, Words
    21 comments Dog Eared Books we love
    Roy Blount, Jr. is Back with "Alphabetter Juice"4.5 (9 votes)
    July 25, 2011
    In 2009, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roy Blount, Jr. on the occasion of the publication of Alphabet Juice, a compilation of his linguistic musings presented in dictionary style.
  232. about
    (of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  233. times
    a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
    (8 votes)
    July 28, 2011
    By Ben Zimmer
    In the Sunday Review section of the New York Times, I took a look at how forensic linguists try to determine the author of an e-mail by picking up on subtle clues of style and grammar.
  234. half
    one of two equal parts of a divisible whole
    This is very much in the news, thanks to a lawsuit filed against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by one Paul Ceglia, who claims that Zuckerberg promised him half of Facebook's holdings, as proven by e-mail exchanges he says they had.
  235. some
    quantifier
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  236. high
    being at or having a relatively great or specific elevation
    TOPICS: Fun, Language, Words
    8 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    Tot Moms and Baby Mamas5 (8 votes)
    July 11, 2011 - 6 Comments
    Word Routes Exploring the pathways of our lexicon
    High-Definition TV: Do Viewers Need Pop-Up Vocab Assistance?5
  237. use
    put into service
    Rowling's inventive use of language has been a key to conjuring the fantasy world of the Potterverse, and that language has seeped into real-world usage as well.
  238. a few
    more than one but indefinitely small in number
    Here are a few choice excerpts from the letter A. Continue reading...
  239. set
    put into a certain place or abstract location
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
  240. most
    used to indicate the greatest amount or degree of a quality
    The Beeb then asked its readers to single out the American expressions they most despise, and in a followup gathered the top 50 peeves.
  241. in this
    (formal) in or into that thing or place
    Blount's wit is just as sharp in this followup, which he subtitles "The Joy of Text."
  242. well
    in a good or satisfactory manner or to a high standard
    TOPICS: Language, Linguistics, Writing
    5 comments Email to a Friend Sign up for email Suggest a topic / contribute Behind the Dictionary Lexicographers Talk About Language
    American English is Getting on Well, Thanks5 (8 votes)
    July 27, 2011
    Two weeks ago, the British writer Matthew Engel set off a trans-Atlantic ruckus by writing an opinion piece for the BBC online magazine entitled, "Why Do Some Americanisms Irritate People?"
Created on 七月 28, 2011

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