📖 Overview
Tharoorosaurus presents 53 distinctive English words from author Shashi Tharoor's extensive vocabulary. Each word receives its own chapter with etymology, usage examples, and cultural context.
The book follows a thesaurus-like structure but expands beyond mere definitions to include personal anecdotes and historical references. Tharoor connects each word to contemporary events, Indian culture, and global affairs.
This lexicographical work aims to enrich readers' vocabulary while exploring the evolution and interconnectedness of language. Through careful selection of uncommon yet useful words, it demonstrates how precise vocabulary can enhance communication and understanding.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate the book's exploration of English vocabulary through etymology and historical context. Many note it serves as both entertainment and education, with Tharoor's humorous anecdotes making complex word origins accessible.
What readers liked:
- Clear explanations of word origins
- Personal stories that illustrate word usage
- Casual, conversational writing style
- Mix of common and obscure vocabulary
What readers disliked:
- Some found the tone pretentious
- Several mentioned the book feels like a collection of tweets
- Indian readers noted many examples focus on British/American contexts
- Some words covered are too obscure for practical use
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,000+ ratings)
Amazon India: 4.4/5 (1,900+ ratings)
Common reader comment: "Perfect for vocabulary enthusiasts but may overwhelm casual readers"
Many reviews note this book works better when read in small portions rather than straight through.
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🤔 Interesting facts
🔤 The word "Tharoorosaurus" is a playful portmanteau combining the author's surname with "thesaurus," reflecting both the book's content and Tharoor's renowned vocabulary.
📚 The 53 words featured in the book were personally curated by Tharoor from his popular #WordOfTheDay tweets on Twitter, where he has over 8.5 million followers.
🎓 Shashi Tharoor holds the record for the longest-ever freshman speech at St. Stephen's College, Delhi, foreshadowing his later reputation for linguistic excellence.
🌏 The book includes several words with Indian origins that have been absorbed into English, highlighting the language's adaptability and multicultural evolution.
📖 Each word in the book is accompanied by original illustrations by Vikram Nayak, adding a visual dimension to the linguistic exploration.