Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Anguished English summary
Richard Lederer
Brief summary
Anguished English by Richard Lederer is a hilarious collection of bloopers, blunders, and misunderstandings in the English language. It will have you laughing out loud at the unintentional butchering of our beloved language.
Table of Contents
Anguished English
Summary of key ideas
Introduction to Language Bloopers
In Anguished English, Richard Lederer takes us on a hilarious journey through the world of language bloopers. He begins by exploring the unique and often amusing ways in which the English language can be misconstrued, misused, and misunderstood. Through a collection of real-life examples from student essays, newspapers, and public signs, Lederer highlights the unintentional, yet side-splitting, errors that frequently occur in our everyday communication.
He starts with the classroom, where students' creative interpretations of literature and history are often the source of much amusement. From a student who describes the "deadly "duel" between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr as a "dueled to the death" to another who claims that "the people who followed the Lord were called the 12 decibels," Lederer showcases the entertaining misunderstandings that often occur in the learning process.
Laughing at Language Gaffes
Lederer then moves on to explore the world of newspapers, where typos, grammatical errors, and misplaced modifiers can turn serious news stories into unintentional comedy. He shares examples such as a headline that reads, "Grandmother of eight makes hole in one" and a weather forecast that warns of "occasional rain, heavy at times, during the day, with a chance of rain in the afternoon." These bloopers, Lederer argues, not only provide amusement but also serve as a reminder of the importance of precision in language.
He also delves into the world of public signage, where spelling mistakes, awkward phrasing, and unintentional double entendres can turn a simple message into a source of laughter. Examples include a sign at a zoo that reads, "Please be safe. Do not sit, stand, or lean on zoo fences. If you fall, animals could eat you and that might make them sick" and a notice in a laundromat that states, "Automatic washing machines. Please remove all your clothes when the light goes out."
Language as a Source of Humor
Throughout Anguished English, Lederer emphasizes that the joy of language lies not only in its ability to convey information but also in its potential for humor. He argues that while language bloopers may result from ignorance or carelessness, they also reveal the playful, inventive, and sometimes eccentric nature of human communication. These linguistic slip-ups, he suggests, are a testament to our capacity for creativity and our willingness to take risks in expressing ourselves.
In conclusion, Lederer's Anguished English offers a light-hearted, yet insightful, exploration of the foibles and funnies of the English language. It encourages us to appreciate the quirks and idiosyncrasies of our shared mode of communication, reminding us that, in the end, being able to laugh at our linguistic mistakes is an important part of truly understanding and enjoying language.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Anguished English about?
Anguished English by Richard Lederer is a humorous collection of real-life bloopers, blunders, and misunderstandings in the English language. From student essays to newspaper headlines, the book showcases the often unintentional and hilarious misuse of words and grammar. It's a lighthearted and entertaining read that will have you chuckling at the quirks of our beloved language.
Anguished English Review
Anguished English (1996) sheds light on the humorous side of the English language, making it a delightful and informative read. Here's why this book stands out:
- It showcases hilarious language mishaps and bloopers, offering a light-hearted take on the complexity of English communication.
- Through quirky anecdotes and examples, the book entertains while also highlighting the intricacies and peculiarities of the English language.
- Its engaging exploration of grammar, vocabulary, and language usage ensures that readers are entertained and educated simultaneously, making it anything but dull.
Who should read Anguished English?
Anyone who enjoys humorous and quirky examples of language mishaps
People who appreciate clever wordplay and puns
Language enthusiasts looking to laugh at common grammar and spelling mistakes
Categories with Anguished English
Book summaries like Anguished English
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Anguished English FAQs
What is the main message of Anguished English?
The main message of Anguished English is to explore humorous and unintentional errors in the English language.
How long does it take to read Anguished English?
The estimated reading time for Anguished English is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Anguished English a good book? Is it worth reading?
Anguished English is worth reading for its hilarious take on language mishaps. It offers lighthearted humor and linguistic insights.
Who is the author of Anguished English?
Richard Lederer is the author of Anguished English.
What to read after Anguished English?
If you're wondering what to read next after Anguished English, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda