contributorOrin Hargraves
Orin Hargraves is an independent lexicographer and contributor to numerous dictionaries published in the US, the UK, and Europe. He is also the author of Mighty Fine Words and Smashing Expressions (Oxford), the definitive guide to British and American differences, and Slang Rules! (Merriam-Webster), a practical guide for English learners. In addition to writing the Language Lounge column, Orin also writes for the Macmillan Dictionary Blog. Click here to visit his website.Language LoungeA Monthly Column for Word LoversComparative Nonsense  November 1, 2019
It's time to dive headfirst into that confoundingest of subjects: the formation of comparatives and superlatives.
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Article Topics:Language LoungeA Monthly Column for Word LoversLips That Touch Liquor October 2, 2019
October marks the centenary of the Volstead Act, the enabler of Prohibition. This occasion licenses the Language Lounge to pop the corks a bit early and look at the linguistic legacy of the Prohibition era.
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A valuable new tool has become available for linguists — armchair and professional alike — to explore the language of contemporary news.
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Article Topics:Language LoungeA Monthly Column for Word LoversThe Notional Space of the Digital World August 1, 2019 By Orin Hargraves
Metaphors about space come at us so thick and fast in talking about the digital world that we don't even notice that they are there, and that's probably a good thing: it helps us to make sense of complicated phenomena.
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Article Topics:Language LoungeA Monthly Column for Word LoversHotter Than the Doones' Bonfire in July July 1, 2019 By Orin Hargraves
If you ask me to complete the phrase "hotter than ________", "July" is what comes to my mind first. The calendar inspires the subject of this month's column, which I might characterize as "uses and abuses of the comparative".
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Peter Martin's new book, The Dictionary Wars, is an account of the beginnings, twists, and turns in American lexicography that have led to the unique place of the name "Webster" in the minds of Americans today. If you're a lover of words and dictionaries, you'll want to put this excellent book on your reading list.
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Article Topics:Language LoungeA Monthly Column for Word LoversThe Most Influential Lexicographer You've Never Heard Of June 3, 2019 By Orin Hargraves
Lexicography has been and continues to be a gig occupation for many who do it, and that is the case for Charles Sanders Peirce. One place he found work was in writing definitions for the Century Dictionary, which may be the greatest dictionary you've never heard of.
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