Home › Etymology › Verbatim: From the Bawdy to the Sublime, the Best Writing on Language for Word Lovers, Grammar Mavens, and Armchair Linguists

Verbatim: From the Bawdy to the Sublime, the Best Writing on Language for Word Lovers, Grammar Mavens, and Armchair Linguists

by Erin McKean

A wide-ranging anthology of English-language curiosities

Regular price $19.84 USD
Regular price $31.00 USD Sale price $19.84 USD
Save 36%

Paperback New English

Delivery to your door
In stock·Dispatches in 1–2 business days
Standard shipping* from $4.35
Standard shipping transit* 5–8 business days after dispatch

Faster options are available.

Rates and delivery estimates depend on your destination and item quantity. Estimates are informational only; the final shipping method and rate are selected at checkout.

Secure checkout
American Express Apple Pay DiscoverGoogle Pay Mastercard PayPalVisa
30-day eligible returns Returns & refunds policy

AlbakiReads Editorial

A wide-ranging anthology of English-language curiosities

Edited by Erin McKean, this collection gathers three decades of articles from Verbatim, the magazine founded by lexicographer Lawrence Urdang. Its pieces move across the formal and playful sides of language study: usage, jargon, lexicography, wordplay, malapropisms, linguistic concepts, and notable blunders all have a place. The range extends from language in the Bible to the makeup of a British soccer chant, framing English not as a fixed set of rules but as a subject shaped by everyday expression, specialized vocabulary, and cultural context. With contributions from writers, grammar commentators, and lexicographers, the anthology offers both scholarly inquiry and lighter linguistic diversion.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Word lovers interested in English usage, wordplay, and etymology
  • Armchair linguists seeking an anthology of short-form language writing
  • Readers curious about lexicography, jargon, and linguistic blunders

Themes

English language usageWordplay and malapropismsLexicographyJargon and specialized languageLanguage in culture

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

From the bawdy to the sublime, the best writing on language for word lovers, grammar mavens, and armchair linguists. A brilliant, witty, and engaging compendium on the uses and abuses of the English language.

With bestselling narratives such as The Professor and the Madman to edicts by popular grammar mavens including Pat O'Conner and Barbara Wallraff,
it is clear readers outside of academia are becoming more and more intrigued with language. Founded by legendary lexicographer Lawrence Urdang, for thirty years Verbatim has published amusing and intriguing articles on the English language and the idea of language in general. Here, for the first time, is a collection of Verbatim's greatest hits and wondrous discoveries on concept, usage, jargon, wordplay, linguistics, blunders, malapropisms, and more.

With contributors such as Richard Lederer, Jesse Sheidlower, and Joe Queenan, lexicography heavyweights like Frederick Cassidy and William Kunstler, Verbatim is a smart and sassy collection for anyone seeking the highly scholarly or the completely frivolous. From the uses of language in the Bible to the components of a British soccer chant, this astounding collection is sure to offer something for every language enthusiast and word lover to enjoy.

Shipping & returnsShipping options, delivery timing, and our return policy.

In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

For the initial delivery estimate we use these transit windows after dispatch: Standard 5–8 business days, Expedited 2–4 business days, and Priority 1–2 business days. Holiday delays are not included.

Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews