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Susie Dent
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Susie Dent

Susie Dent is a lexicographer and etymologist. She has appeared in 'Dictionary Corner' on Countdown since 1992, and co-hosts with Gyles Brandreth the podcast ‘Something Rhymes with Purple’.

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Susie Dent

Susie Dent: How our slips of the tongue help the English language evolve

When it comes to language, it’s always been a doggy-dog world

Susie Dent

Ducking hell: How the F-word became the most versatile of the English language

Susie Dent

Struggling to find the word to describe Trump this week? The historical dictionary can help

Article thumbnail: Showing someone the middle finger has been a gesture of obscenity since ancient times. (Photo: Getty Images/Westend61)
Susie Dent

History proves young women are the true linguistic innovators of the English language

Susie Dent

Old terms of endearment to revive for Valentine's, from 'saucy prawn' to 'cabbage'

Article thumbnail: Hope, regret, wistfulness and good cheer are frequent companions to the start of the New Year, traditionally mixed in with a good deal of crapulence (17th-century speak for sickness due to a surfeit of food and alcohol) (Photo by Christopher Pillitz/Getty Images)
Article thumbnail: Hope, regret, wistfulness and good cheer are frequent companions to the start of the New Year, traditionally mixed in with a good deal of crapulence (17th-century speak for sickness due to a surfeit of food and alcohol) (Photo by Christopher Pillitz/Getty Images)
Article thumbnail: At times like these, our language keeps pace with us by shoving on as many layers as possible (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)
Article thumbnail: At times like these, our language keeps pace with us by shoving on as many layers as possible (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)
Article thumbnail: HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 13: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees hits a two-run home run during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros in game two of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 13, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Article thumbnail: HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 13: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees hits a two-run home run during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros in game two of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 13, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Article thumbnail: In the late 1990s, papers were suddenly full of references to “the hairdryer treatment”, another legacy of Sir Alex (Photo: Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
Article thumbnail: In the late 1990s, papers were suddenly full of references to “the hairdryer treatment”, another legacy of Sir Alex (Photo: Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images)