description Harold Wentworth Overview
Harold Wentworth was an American lexicographer whose research concentrated on regional, informal, and nonstandard varieties of American English. His American Dialect Dictionary, published in 1944, assembled vocabulary and usage evidence from communities across the United States. He later co-authored the Dictionary of American Slang with Stuart Berg Flexner, documenting expressions often omitted from conventional general dictionaries.
help Harold Wentworth FAQ
What is Harold Wentworth famous for writing?
He is best known for compiling the 1944 *American Dialect Dictionary*, which documented nonstandard regional speech across the United States. He also co-authored the highly influential *Dictionary of American Slang* in 1960.
How did Harold Wentworth's work differ from standard dictionaries?
Unlike standard dictionaries that focus on formal, standard English, Wentworth focused on capturing nonstandard speech, including local slang, jargon, and regional dialects. His work preserved colloquialisms and idioms that were often ignored by traditional lexicographers of his era.
Who did Harold Wentworth collaborate with on the Dictionary of American Slang?
He collaborated with Stuart Berg Flexner to publish the *Dictionary of American Slang* in 1960. This text became a foundational reference for understanding colloquial American English in the mid-20th century.
Where did Harold Wentworth work as a lexicographer?
Much of his academic and lexicographical work was associated with West Virginia University. His location in Appalachia heavily influenced his deep interest in mapping and defining regional dialects.
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