English Learning for Curious Minds

In 1755, Samuel Johnson published an English dictionary that has gone down in history.

Not only was it the first of its kind, it was full of funny jokes.

Today we tell the story of this fantastic dictionary.

Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com

Show Notes

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In 1755, Samuel Johnson published an English dictionary that has gone down in history.

Not only was it the first of its kind, it was full of funny jokes.

Today we tell the story of this fantastic dictionary.

  • Dictionaries before 1755
  • Why Johnson's was so famous
  • Why was a dictionary needed?
  • Why was the English language a mess?
  • 'Fixing' English
  • Johnson's dictionary: 40,000 words of fine scholarship
  • Hidden joke 1: the definition of 'oats'
  • Hidden joke 2: the definition of 'lexicographer'
  • Hidden joke 3: the definition of 'lunch'
  • Why writing a dictionary is so hard


Key vocabulary: Scholarship, Intriguing, Politically correct, Authoritative, Captured, The masses, Painting a picture, Linguistic, Reflecting on, Estimated, Mess, Literacy, Formal, All-encompassing, Collate, Unsatisfactory, Fast-forward, Scene was set, Stabilise, Anomalies, Peculiarities, Set things straight, Hang on, Exceptions, Convoluted, Messy, Organism, Gargantuan, Rivalry, Harmless, Busies, Tracing, Unpleasant, Unappreciated, Extensive, Buried, Highlighted, Adapt, From scratch, Evolving


Full transcript and key vocabulary available on the website www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/the-story-of-a-fantastic-dictionary

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Keywords: Learn English, vocabulary, lessons, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية

What is English Learning for Curious Minds?

Are you looking for a more interesting way to learn English?

English Learning for Curious Minds is a podcast for intermediate-advanced English learners.

Learn weird and wonderful things about the world at the same time as improving your English.

Every episode comes with an interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary and is spoken at a speed you can understand.

Join listeners from 189 countries and discover a more interesting way of improving your English.

Find the bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles, key vocabulary, and more at www.leonardoenglish.com