“This masterly compendium of malicious wit reveals Dr. Johnson as a world-class curmudgeon, and that, Sir, is high praise indeed” —Jon Winokur, author of The Portable Curmudgeon and The Traveling Curmudgeon

Lackbrain, oysterwench, wantwit, clotpoll— Samuel Johnson’s famous dictionary of 1755 contained some of the ripest insults in the English language. In Samuel Johnson’s Insults, Jack Lynch has compiled more than 300 of the curmudgeonly lexicographer’s mightiest barbs, along with definitions only the master himself could elucidate. Word lovers will delight in flexing their linguistic muscles with devilishly descriptive vituperations that pack a wicked punch. Many of these zingers have long lain dormant. Some have even come close to extinction. Now they’re back in all their prickly glory, ready to be relished once more.