Word by Word by Kory Stamper Summary

Word by Word by Kory Stamper is a humorous, insider’s look at lexicography, revealing how dictionaries are crafted. Stamper, a former Merriam-Webster editor, explores the painstaking process of defining words (like “is”), debates over controversial terms (e.g., “nude”), and the social impact of language evolution. Blending memoir with linguistics, it demystifies the meticulous, often absurd world of dictionary-making.

This book is ideal for language enthusiasts, writers, and curious readers fascinated by word origins, grammar debates, or the hidden labor behind reference books. It appeals to those interested in descriptivism (how language is used) vs. prescriptivism (how it “should” be used) and anyone who enjoys witty, accessible nonfiction about niche professions.

With a 4.8/5 Amazon rating, Word by Word is praised for its engaging blend of humor, humility, and expertise. Reviewers highlight Stamper’s knack for transforming technical lexicography into relatable stories, making it a standout for readers seeking intellectual depth without dryness.

Stamper details the years-long process: lexicographers analyze thousands of citations to track word usage, define nuanced meanings, and update entries. For example, defining “take” required nine months. The book emphasizes that dictionaries reflect real-world usage, not dictate “correct” language.

Notable quotes include:

• “Language is a public resource that belongs to its speakers” (challenging linguistic gatekeeping)
• “Small words are the hardest to define” (e.g., “is”)
• “OMG” debuted in a 1917 letter to Winston Churchill, surprising etymology fans

Stamper discusses heated debates over adding “marriage” for same-sex unions and defining “nude” in fashion contexts. These examples show how dictionaries mirror societal shifts, often sparking backlash from prescriptivists.

Kory Stamper is a lexicographer who worked at Merriam-Webster for 20 years. A Smith College medieval studies graduate, she combines linguistic rigor with irreverent humor, demystifying lexicography through videos, essays, and this debut book.

Key lessons:

• Dictionaries are dynamic, evolving with culture.
• “Bad” grammar often reflects dialectal diversity.
• Lexicographers prioritize usage over rules (descriptivist approach)

Unlike dry linguistics texts, Stamper’s memoir-style narrative aligns with popular science hybrids like The Etymologicon or Between You & Me. It’s more personal than David Crystal’s academic works but shares The Dictionary of Lost Words’ focus on lexical storytelling.

Some readers find its niche focus too narrow or its humor overly casual. However, most praise its balance of levity and rigor, noting it’s “for word lovers, by a word lover”.

As digital communication evolves (emojis, AI slang), the book’s insights into language adaptation remain vital. Stamper’s discussions of inclusivity and linguistic bias resonate amid ongoing debates about gender-neutral terms and dialect representation.

Stamper uses self-deprecating anecdotes (e.g., defining “bitch”) and witty footnotes to humanize lexicography. Her tone makes complex ideas accessible, turning topics like pronunciation keys into entertainment.