Ten Things You Should Know About the Dictionary

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.