Anecdote: Samuel Johnson's dictionary and naughty words: Have you been looking for them?

ADSGarson O'Toole adsgarsonotoole at GMAIL.COM
Sun Sep 22 23:28:09 UTC 2013


Joel S. Berson wrote:
> I'm reminded of the allegation about Noah Webster, whose dictionary
> was in some particulars more correct than Johnson's,* that he said
> "No, madam.  I'm surprised; you are astonished."

Thank you, Joel, for mentioning the humorous Noah Webster anecdote.
The earliest citation I could find appeared in 1896. Here is a link to
the entry:

http://quoteinvestigator.com/2013/05/17/dictionary-kiss/

Earlier cites and feedback appreciated,
Garson

Joel continued:
> * Webster correctly described the Arabian and the Bactrian camels.
>
> Joel

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