It is very selective in the words it lists, but is a true dictionary in that it gives definitions, occasional etymologies, and frequent illustrations, often invented by the author.... [There] is a long disquisition on King’s Evil, which is practically a history of the scrofula and its supposed treatment by royal touch, and gives an unexpectedly serious tone to the work. However, mostly the definitions are sardonic, curmudgeonly, world-weary, cynical, eccentric, unconventional, rational in a topsy-turvy way, thought-provoking and nearly always very comical.... Put in a thumb anywhere and it will come out with a juicy, refreshing plum, generally on the tart side, but always full of flavour and satisfying.