Susie Dent

Susie Dent, a beloved lexicographer and etymologist known from Channel 4's Countdown, shares her passion for the English language and its quirks. She discusses her debut crime novel, 'Guilt by Definition,' which cleverly intertwines her love for words and a mysterious disappearance. Dent humorously delves into unique vocabulary and the historical journey of dictionary-making, revealing how everyday people shaped the Oxford English Dictionary. The conversation beautifully highlights language’s evolution and its profound connections to storytelling and crime.

This week, Theo Gehrin, a producer for TED Radio Hour, shares his insights on the unusual surge of teen comments on old podcast episodes, hinting at a new trend in using comment sections as chat rooms. Meanwhile, lexicographer Susie Dent dives into the intriguing history of the phrase 'steal your thunder,' tracing it back to a 1709 incident involving playwright John Dennis, whose thunder machine inspired the saying. Their discussions reveal surprising connections between modern communication and historical language.

Countdown star Susie Dent shares her top 'Untranslatables' - words that can't be translated into English. From Swedish, she introduces a word for the friend that is always late despite saying they'll be on time. Explore untranslatable words from different countries, including German, Danish, and Dutch.

Joining Russell Howard is Susie Dent, the brilliant lexicographer known for her expertise on Countdown. They dive into fascinating discussions about the etymology of swear words and the psychological relief of swearing, known as lalochesia. Susie shares charming childhood memories about her beloved pet rock and reveals regional slang like Liverpool's 'twirlies.' With the festive season approaching, she also highlights her new books, celebrating the beauty of language and its untranslatable words. Prepare for a delightful linguistic journey!

Susie Dent, a renowned lexicographer and etymologist from Channel 4’s Countdown, dives into the charm of the English language. She shares captivating insights into its evolution, the emergence of slang, and how emojis shape modern communication. The discussion touches on the complexities of language in mystery writing and hilariously misinterpreted emojis. Dent also highlights the beauty of profanity, its historical significance, and the creative richness it brings to the language, all while connecting these themes to her debut novel.