The Meaning of Liff
The Original Dictionary Of Things There Should Be Words For
Douglas Adams
John Lloyd
Please note that this product is a pre-order. Its publication date is 23 Oct 2025. It will ship shortly after.
The Meaning of Liff has sold hundreds of thousands of copies since it was first published in 1983, and remains a much-loved humour classic. This 42nd-anniversary edition has been revised and updated, giving fresh appeal to Douglas Adams and John Lloyd’s entertaining and witty dictionary.
In life, there are hundreds of familiar experiences, feelings and objects for which no words exist, yet hundreds of strange words are idly loafing around on signposts, pointing at places. The Meaning of Liff connects the two.
BERRIWILLOCK (n.) – An unknown workmate who writes ‘All the best’ on your leaving card.
ELY (n.) – The first, tiniest inkling that something, somewhere has gone terribly wrong.
GRIMBISTER (n.) – Large body of cars on a motorway all travelling at exactly the speed limit because one of them is a police car.
KETTERING (n.) – The marks left on your bottom or thighs after sunbathing on a wickerwork chair.
OCKLE (n.) – An electrical switch which appears to be off in both positions.
WOKING (ptcpl.vb.) – Standing in the kitchen wondering what you came in here for.
*****
Praise for Douglas Adams:
‘Sheer delight’ – The Times
‘One of the world’s sanest, smartest, kindest, funniest voices’ – Independent on Sunday
‘Magical . . . read this book’ – Sunday Express
‘A pleasure to read’ – The New York Times
