Why say ‘tired’ when you can be ‘shattered’ — or ‘hot’ instead of ‘sweltering’? Modern English has a fondness for the dramatic, and extroverts may even crave greater mental stimulation in the language they use.
Jim talks ‘linguistic supersizing' with author and broadcaster Susie Dent, who is the co-presenter and resident word expert on Countdown, to explore why the words we choose don’t just describe how we feel, but help shape the feeling itself.
Susie’s new book Words For Life is out now, with verbal discoveries designed to boost every day of the year. She is currently working on the follow-up to her debut novel, Guilty By Definition.
Photo: supplied / United Agents
