The Cabinet of Linguistic Curiosities

The ultimate gift for wordsmiths and lovers of language: a word for every day of the year

Open the Cabinet to leap back in time, learn about linguistic trivia, follow a curious thread or wonder at the web of connections in the English language.

1 January quaaltagh(n.) the first person you meet on New Year's Day

1 April dorbellist(n.) a fool, a dull-witted dolt

12 May word-grubber(n.) someone who uses obscure or difficult words in everyday conversation

25 September theic(adj.) an excessive drinker of tea

24 December doniferous(adj.) carrying a gift

Paul Anthony Jones has unearthed a wealth of strange and forgotten words: illuminating some aspect of the day, or simply telling a cracking good yarn, each reveals a story. Written with a light touch that belies the depth of research it contains, this is both a fascinating compendium of etymology and a captivating historical miscellany. Dip into this beautiful book to be delighted and intrigued throughout the year.