A Winter Dictionary

As the nights draw in and the cold descends, the winter world emerges – and with it an incredible array of words that superbly capture the season.

From frost-dogs (tiny frozen particles of falling snow) and Stepmother’s breath (a sudden cold snap) to hibernaculum (a winter refuge during the winter months) and crapulent (feeling the aftereffects of overindulgence), Paul Anthony Jones delves into the origins of these rare, fascinating and forgotten words, opening up a whole new way of describing the winter months.

Whether you’re keeping cosy in front of the fire, warding off the winter blues or throwing yourself into the party season, A Winter Dictionary is the perfect way to while away the snow-laden days.

Praise for Why Is this a Question?

‘An enlightening, delightful book that will make you question every sentence you’ve ever read or written.’ Arthur der Weduwen, author of The Library

‘As entertaining as it is engrossing . . . this book will delight logophiles everywhere, and create many new ones.’ John Banville

‘Every page will make you stop, think and wonder.’ James Hawes, author of The Shortest History of England