There's a Word for It (Revised Edition): A Grandiloquent Guide to Life

I enjoy all of Elster's writings, and I own a bunch of his books. I have read them all, and family and friends all are tortured with my explaining to them etymologies or pronunciations of common words and phrases. Of all his books, this one is by far the least practical unless you have a perfect memory. The words are long and difficult, and impossible to remember (for me at least). That being said, it's an enjoyable read, and the author's style is delightful and inimitable. I would recommend this book to any logophile (word lover), but don't think you're going to use these words in conversation.

Fun book-very clever

The book arrived on time and was in very good condition, better than described. I love books about words, they help fill the little holes in our speech with just the right word. This book is broken down by category​ so it is easy to find just the right word.

All fine.

If you're a word nerd, this one's for you! And, did I mention it's hilarious?!?

A person often takes a chance when ordering a book based primarily on a title. Even based on friends' recommendations, ordering a book you know little about is an iffy proposition. This book is like that. It sounds like a book for building your speaking and writing vocabulary. It is not. Neither is it exhaustive. It is just plain fun. If you enjoy unusual words and like to play with language, this will give you plenty of material.

This is one of those books that folks who love words will find delightful reading anywhere. we keep it by the bathroom.

This is ideal for any one who still believes in the English language and how to use it. There's nothing richer than using $10.00 words at least once a day!

I seriously recommend this book if you are a logophile or a Verbivore. Author explicitly says that don't buy this book if you are not a logomaniac. This book is not for Civil Service or IELTS or TOEFL preparation, but a handsome companion to be with. I guess this is mine Enchiridion for couple of months.

著者のElsterは自らをlogomaniac 「言葉のマニア」（a person obsessed with words）と称している。（logophile という語はすでにある。logomaniac は彼の造語であろう。なお、logomaniaという語もある。これは精神医学で使う語で「病的多弁症」の意である）。さて本書のタイトルThere’s a Word for It のitは「説明的に言えるがズバリそれを指す言葉を思いつかないreferent」を指す。「ズバリそれを指す言葉が英語にはありますよ」というのがThere’s a Word for Itの意味である。例えば「人の鼻と上唇の間にはみぞ」がある。この「みぞ」を指す言葉があるのか（日本語では「人中」であろうか）。英語にもある。それはphiltrumである。では「傘などの先端の補強・保護用の金具」をズバリ英語一語でいえば？といった具合に話は進む。英語には乏しいといわれる擬声語・擬態語にも詳しい。収録されている英語を先にあげてみる。wheep(剣を抜く時の音：ヒュー), gwick（飲み込む時の音：ゴクン） は何となく想像できるが、psithurism（木々が風にそよぐ音：ザワザワ）となるとお手上げである。これまで見た通り、収録されている語は一般の辞書には載ってない難語が多く著者の造語と思われるのもある。読んで実際にすぐコミュニケーションに役立つわけではないが、英語の語彙の豊富さを知る上で楽しい読み物である。