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Erin McKean is an editor and lexicographer for the New Oxford American Dictionary. She’s a dictionary expert, and even a dictionary evangelist — she has a lot to say about what dictionaries are good for, and she has practical advice about dictionary use in the modern world.
In 2006, McKean spoke to the good people of Google about the ten things she wishes people knew about dictionaries. She discusses “how people go about making new words, and how lexicographers use Google.” She also reveals that her favorite word is erinaceous, meaning “Of, like, or pertaining to hedgehogs.” Watch her talk, dictionary lovers:
See also: McKean’s Dictionary Evangelist blog, and if you’re into retro threads, her Dress a Day blog.
I love that she used ‘irregardless’ as an example of an ugly word. I work with a woman who uses it every day, irregardless of its meaninglessness.
posted by adrienne on 6-30-2008 at 7:20 pm
I can relate to you, adrienne. I work with a woman who uses the word “gullible”, which also doesn’t appear in any standard dictionary.
posted by gmsc on 6-30-2008 at 8:08 pm
In that case, Sonic the Hedgehog is my favorite erinaceous video game.
posted by Tony on 6-30-2008 at 8:27 pm
@ gmsc: My husband told me when he was younger he thought ‘gullible’ meant ‘cute.’ It makes me giggle when I hear that word.
ReCAPTCHA: ‘be skillfully’ what?
posted by adrienne on 6-30-2008 at 10:00 pm
My new hero. I loved being in Dictionary Skills for academic meets during my Jr. High years. My favorite thing to do when I was younger was to look up a word I wanted to know the meaning for, then just continue to meander among the dictionary pages for an hour or so. Sooo much fun!
posted by nutmeag on 6-30-2008 at 10:11 pm
Loved this video! Exactly what I want from Mental_floss!
p.s. I do read the front matter and I had a teaher try to tell my class “posh” is a nautical acronym!
posted by Juia Rae on 6-30-2008 at 11:00 pm
I totally have a girl-crush now. ^_^
posted by Cait on 6-30-2008 at 11:59 pm
My god she even has two different kind of drill, I am in love.
posted by Giuseppe on 7-1-2008 at 8:11 am
“Irregardless” is a sucky word. The word itself is illogical. Yet you would probably find it in a dictionary. (I don’t have any handy.)
I can see how that word would be annoying to hear.
But what’s the problem with “gullible?” The word exists and it has a definition. It has other forms. Your co-worker uses it, you know what it means.
posted by mrs.djs on 7-1-2008 at 8:53 am
If you are interested in the evolution of the dictionary, definitely read “The Professor and the Madman”. It is one of the most interesting books I have read.
posted by Mike on 7-1-2008 at 9:22 am
@ mrs. djs
…and gmsc got you. :)
posted by kate on 7-1-2008 at 11:09 am
“Irregardless” is an abomination!
She’s reminds me of Velma from Scooby Doo. When is she going to start solving mysteries?
I second the Mike’s recommendation for “The Professor and the Madman”
posted by Topher on 7-1-2008 at 1:05 pm
omg! this video changed my life!!! Erin is amazingly funny while balencing professionism! I love Mental_Floss and the Mental_Floss Blogs!!!!!!!!!
posted by Allison on 7-7-2008 at 4:34 pm