The Meaning of Liff

This humorous dictionary connects familiar experiences with quirky words, making The Meaning of Liff a timeless classic that continues to amuse readers.

Originally published in 1983, The Meaning of Liff is a humorous exploration of the words we often need but lack. Douglas Adams and John Lloyd cleverly bridge the gap between everyday experiences and the peculiar words that exist to describe them, offering readers a delightful dictionary of sorts. This revised and updated edition, which includes The Deeper Meaning of Liff, breathes new life into the classic work, making it relevant for contemporary audiences while retaining its original charm.

In The Meaning of Liff, familiar feelings, experiences, and objects are humorously matched with obscure place names, creating a whimsical lexicon that resonates with anyone who has felt the need for a word to express their thoughts. For instance, the term BERRIWILLOCK describes that unknown colleague who signs your leaving card with a cheery 'All the best.' Similarly, ELY captures the moment when you sense that something has gone awry, albeit in the most subtle way.

With entries like GRIMBISTER, which depicts the phenomenon of cars traveling in unison at the speed limit due to the presence of a police vehicle, and KETTERING, referring to the marks left on your skin from a wicker chair, the book is filled with relatable humor. This special 30th Anniversary edition of The Meaning of Liff invites both new readers and longtime fans to enjoy the wit and creativity of Adams and Lloyd once more.