Guilty By Definition

A charming and witty work of popular linguistics, Guilty By Definition presents the fascinating hidden lives of words and the surprising stories behind their meanings. Celebrated lexicographer Susie Dent uncovers how the English language carries centuries of cultural history, moral judgment, and human psychology within its very vocabulary. With her signature warmth and erudition, she illustrates how the words we use to describe guilt, innocence, virtue, and vice reveal far more about society than we might expect. Written with the accessibility and humor that have made Dent a beloved authority on language, the book argues that dictionaries are not merely reference tools but mirrors reflecting who we are and how we judge one another. Readers with a passion for etymology, history, or the quirks of human communication will find this an endlessly rewarding and thought-provoking read.