Synopsis
From Douglas Adams (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) and John Lloyd (Blackadder, QI), this is the 42nd anniversary edition of The Meaning of Liff. Revised, updated and ready to change your life.
In life, there are hundreds of familiar experiences, feelings and objects for which no words exist, yet hundreds of strange words are idly loafing around on signposts, pointing at places. The Meaning of Liff connects the two.
BERRIWILLOCK (n.) – An unknown workmate who writes ‘All the best’ on your leaving card.
ELY (n.) – The first, tiniest inkling that something, somewhere has gone terribly wrong.
GRIMBISTER (n.) – Large body of cars on a motorway all travelling at exactly the speed limit because one of them is a police car.
KETTERING (n.) – The marks left on your bottom or thighs after sunbathing on a wickerwork chair.
OCKLE (n.) – An electrical switch which appears to be off in both positions.
WOKING (ptcpl.vb.) – Standing in the kitchen wondering what you came in here for.
*****
Praise for Douglas Adams:
‘Sheer delight’ – The Times
‘One of the world’s sanest, smartest, kindest, funniest voices’ – Independent on Sunday
‘Magical . . . read this book’ – Sunday Express
‘A pleasure to read’ – The New York Times
Details
23 October 2025
9781035051458Reviews
One of the greatest achievements in comedy. A work of staggering geniusDavid Walliams, author of Gangsta Granny on The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Packed with that unique energy, all barmy and bristling and bold . . . above all, it dares to be silly. Fiercely, beautifully sillyRussell T. Davies, writer and producer of Doctor Who on The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Really entertaining and funMichael Palin, broadcaster and comedian (Monty Python) on The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Fizzing with ideas . . . brilliantCharlie Brooker, writer and producer of Black Mirror on The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
