Word Warriors: The Untold Chronicles of English-Language Dictionaries

The Not Old - Better Show

In the vast landscape of human knowledge, few artifacts hold as much power, mystery, and authority as the dictionary. It is not just a tool for understanding words, but a mirror reflecting the intricate tapestry of history, culture, and revolution. Today, we delve into a story that transcends mere words on a page. Welcome to "Words, Words, Words: English-Language Dictionaries and the People Who Made Them," a journey into the heart of language itself.

Imagine a world where every word is a battleground, a site of struggle not just for meaning but for dominance. Here, giants like Samuel Johnson and Noah Webster didn't just write dictionaries; they shaped the very soul of a language. From the audacious efforts of James Murray with the Oxford English Dictionary to the defiant creation of the first dictionary by a Black American capturing the vibrant pulse of 'hepster jive', these were not just scholarly pursuits. They were acts of cultural defiance and intellectual heroism.

But the story doesn't end in the past. As we step into the digital age, the battle for linguistic authority has taken new forms. Websites like Dictionary.com and the crowdsourced Urban Dictionary redefine who has the power to declare what a word means or how it should be used. The rise of social movements has led to the birth of dictionaries for feminists, hackers, and more, each reflecting a facet of the world's ever-evolving ethos.

Join us as we explore these stories with Bryan A. Garner and Jack Lynch, who have chronicled these epic battles and victories in their book, "Hardly Harmless Drudgery." Together, we will uncover the unsung heroes and unexpected stories behind the dictionaries that have defined, and redefined, the English language.

Prepare to be challenged, enlightened, and inspired, as we turn the page on what you thought you knew about the words you use every day.

Thanks for joining us today on the Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview series on radio and podcast. My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show. My thanks to Executive Producer Sam Heninger for his work and my thanks to you our wonderful audience. Be well, be safe, and Let’s Talk About Better™ The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast.

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