# Horrible Words

Canonical: https://www.bookquiver.com/rebecca-gowers/horrible-words/9781846148521

![Horrible Words](https://quivercdn.com/covers/penguin/rebecca-gowers/horrible-words_978-18-4614-852-1-98a69b71.jpg?v=2026-09-20%2005%3A04%3A08)

- Book: [Horrible Words](https://www.bookquiver.com/rebecca-gowers/horrible-words) ([Horrible Words.md](https://www.bookquiver.com/rebecca-gowers/horrible-words.md))
- Authors: [Rebecca Gowers](https://www.bookquiver.com/rebecca-gowers)
- Publisher: Penguin
- Medium: ebook
- ISBN: 978-18-4614-852-1
- Published: 2016-03-31
- Language: en_GB
- Binding: E-book

## Description

Nothing inflames the language gripers like a misplaced disinterested , an illogical irregardless , a hideous operationalisation . To purists these are 'howlers' and 'non-words', fit only for scorn. But in their rush to condemn such terms, are the naysayers missing something? In this provocative and hugely entertaining book, Rebecca Gowers throws light on a great array of horrible words, and shows how the diktats of the pedants are repeatedly based on misinformation, false reasoning and straight-up snobbery. The result is a brilliant work of history, a surreptitious introduction to linguistics, and a mischievous salute to the misusers of the language. It is also a bold manifesto asserting our common rights over English, even as it questions the true nature of style.