Ep 4. Dictionaries

In QI season 4 episode 4, appropriately named Dictionaries, host Stephen Fry takes his panelists on a linguistic journey through the history and quirks of dictionaries.

The episode begins with a discussion on the origin of the word "dictionary" itself, with Fry revealing that it comes from the Latin word "dictionarium," meaning a collection of words. From there, the panel delves into the history of dictionaries, starting with the very first: the Cawdrey's Table Alphabeticall, published in England in 1604.

Throughout the episode, Fry poses various questions to his panelists about the world of dictionaries, and the answers are often surprising. For example, did you know that lexicographers (people who write or compile dictionaries) often include fake words (called "ghost words") to catch plagiarists? Or that some dictionaries have included swear words for centuries, despite protests from more conservative readers?

The panelists also explore the challenges of defining words in different languages, as well as the ways in which dictionaries can reflect cultural biases. For instance, Fry highlights the fact that the Oxford English Dictionary didn't include a definition for the word "baby" until the 1970s, simply because it was considered a non-serious word.

Of course, no episode about dictionaries would be complete without a discussion of spelling and pronunciation. Fry challenges his panelists to spell some of the most difficult words in the English language (such as "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"), and also explores the regional variations in pronunciation that can lead to confusion (such as the differences between "cot" and "caught" in different parts of the United States).

Throughout it all, Fry maintains a playful and engaging tone, and his panelists (including notable comedians and writers) provide witty and insightful comments that keep the audience entertained and informed.

Overall, QI season 4 episode 4 is a fascinating exploration of one of the most important and enduring reference books in the world. Whether you're a hardcore dictionary enthusiast or simply love learning new and quirky facts, this episode is sure to leave you satisfied.