Book description
Alex Horne loves words. He loves them so much, in fact, that he's
gone on a mental safari and invented some of his own ... all he needs
to do now is get them into the dictionary.
But, as Alex discovers, gaining entry into the official lexicon
takes more than just a gentle word in the ear of the editor. Evidence
is required - Alex needs what the dictionary authorities call a
'corpus' of examples, hard data showing that his new words are in
widespread and long-term usage by people other than just him and his
mum. So a corpus he resolves to create, no matter what obstacles he
might meet on the way. This is the ridiculous story of one man's
struggle to break into the dictionary. From covert word-dropping on
Countdown to wilfully misinforming young schoolchildren, Alex tries it
all in his quest for word-based stardom. Does he succeed? Exactly what
is a 'mental safari'? And are you already using one of Alex's words
without realising it? You won't regret spending your hard-earned honk
on this hugely entertaining book.
Alex Horne is a stand-up comedian. He won the Chortle Award for 'Best
Breakthrough Act' in 2004 and in 2003 he was nominated for the Perrier
Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His 'Wordwatching' show appeared
at the festival in 2008. He has written and performed with Craig Charles
on ITV and Steve Coogan's Baby Cow Productions for BBC3. His first book,
Birdwatchingwatching
, was published in 2008. www. verbalgardening. com. www. alexhorne. com
