Words of Wisdom - Twisted English & Linguistic Lunacy for Word Nerds: (Hardback signed!)
$ 29.99
In the grand tradition of absurd British comedy (and the occasional dead parrot), this tome is a dizzying romp through the English language’s silliest, quirkiest, and most linguistically bonkers corners. From Tom Swifties that would make a vicar snort tea through his nose, to pangrams tighter than a tax inspector’s wallet, you’ll discover idioms, insults, and oxymorons that could cause His Majesty to raise an eyebrow — if not both.
Whether you’re a wordplay wizard, a pun perpetrator, or just someone who enjoys shouting “Ni!” at inappropriate moments, this book will tickle your frontal lobe, massage your funny bone, and occasionally make you question your grip on reality.
Warning: May induce spontaneous giggling, unprovoked quoting of John Cleese sketches, and the urge to narrate your life in a silly voice. Perfect for linguists, comedy lovers, and anyone who has ever asked, “What’s all this, then?”
If you love funny wordplay, English idioms, and the kind of language humour that makes you giggle in public, this is your next favourite read. Packed with absurd examples, sharp wit, and a generous sprinkling of British silliness, this humorous language guide takes you on a joyride through the quirks, contradictions, and downright lunacy of English.
Inside this laugh-out-loud linguistic adventure you’ll find:
- Idioms that make no sense – Why “raining cats and dogs” won’t require a feline umbrella.
- Oxymorons & contradictions – From “jumbo shrimp” to “civil war.”
- Malapropisms & near misses – How “a nice derangement of epitaphs” caused social chaos.
- Spoonerisms – “You have hissed all my mystery lectures” and other verbal gymnastics.
- British, Australian & American slang – Polite insults, Aussie oddities, and US overstatements.
- Tom Swifties & Wellerisms – Perfect puns with a comedic twist.
- Pangrams, tautograms & contronyms – Every letter, one letter, and opposite meanings in one word.
- Capitonyms, anagrams & portmanteaus – March vs march, “moon starer” from “astronomer,” and brunch without regret.
- Backronyms & eponyms – Making words fit meanings and the people behind them.
Every chapter is explained in plain English, with comedic examples, sly commentary to keep you laughing while you learn. It’s part comedy, part English language guide, and entirely ridiculous.
Perfect for:
- Fans of clever puns and witty wordplay
- Readers who enjoy books like Eats, Shoots & Leaves or The Meaning of Liff
- Language lovers, trivia buffs, and anyone who enjoys laughing at the absurdities of English
If you’ve ever wondered why English speakers “bite the bullet,” “kick the bucket,” or insist on calling something “seriously funny,” this linguistic humour book will answer your questions — and probably create a few new ones.
Grab your copy and prepare to laugh, learn, and question your sanity… all in glorious Technicolour English.
Available in Hardback (signed by the authors), Paperback (signed by the authors) and Amazon Kindle.
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