I said I would experiment in 2011, and experiment I did. Most experiments involved exploring media-like qualities like books reviews, interviews and reverse-engineering storytelling in the media. I think it’s fair to say these types of posts added a touch of panache to this corner. I also learned that crafting a proper Q&A from a …more
I’ve enjoyed the back and forth with Jonathon in bringing his perspective on “chasing down words” and storytelling to this neighborhood. Before jumping to the final question, a few thoughts – I spend $3.50 on a large Red Sea (coffee) at Philz a couple times a week. The Dictionary of Slang retails for $450, though Amazon has shaved …more
Today brings the second part of the series with lexicographer Jonathon Green. Yesterday, Jonathon discussed the chase behind slang which he noted “far outweighs the kill.” While one doesn’t typically associate entertainment with dictionaries, I was struck by the storytelling in his writing. I asked Jonathon about this. Q: I can see through various articles that your writing brings …more
I rarely read TIME magazine. Fortunately, I made an exception last month. The TIME story about Jonathon Green’s Dictionary of Slang demanded attention: “It provides a surreal, anachronistic delight one might have gotten from hearing Freud lecture on Charlie Sheen’s recent verbal diarrhea.” How often do you hear a dictionary described as a “delight?” To borrow from Gossip Girl, …more
