【Historical Archives】
Light the candles,Historical Archives word nerds: It's lexicographer Samuel Johnson's 308th birthday.
In celebration, Monday's Google Doodle honors Johnson, known best as writer of A Dictionary of the English Language, published in 1755.
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable According to Humanities,Johnson was not the first lexicographer, nor the first to record definitions, but he was the first to craft a dictionary that sought to standardize the English language-- to create a set of rules to which writers and speakers could adhere.
And, as the Encyclopædia Brittanica notes, his dictionary is remembered for the detail and clarity of its definitions in comparison to previous attempts from other writers.
Per Brittanica:
"Johnson’s accomplishment was to provide for the English language a dictionary that incorporated with skill and intellectual power the prevailing ideals and resources and the best available techniques of European lexicography."
In short, A Dictionary of the English Language was known for being the greatest in its class-- the iPhone in a sea of BlackBerry smartphones.
After all, best, not first is a popular business philosophy for a reason.
Featured Video For You
Donald Trump vs. The Dictionary
Search
Categories
Latest Posts
Trump's new tariff plan spares some smartphones, laptops
2025-06-26 17:48Joyful kid's carefree dance moves will give you life
2025-06-26 17:37Colin Kaepernick says he'll donate profits from NFL's hottest
2025-06-26 16:41Popular Posts
Turtle Beach Recon 50P gaming headset deal: 28% off
2025-06-26 17:47An exclusive look at E!'s first Snapchat series
2025-06-26 17:30#ItTakesOne is a campaign to end sexual harassment at music gigs
2025-06-26 16:10If you hate auto insurance, you're going to love driverless cars
2025-06-26 16:02Gods of War
2025-06-26 15:17Featured Posts
Best robot vacuum deal: Save $200 on Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum
2025-06-26 16:57Why does Apple hate wires so much? Here's one wild guess.
2025-06-26 16:41The iPhone 7 will apparently have stereo speakers after all
2025-06-26 16:34Exam tests if students can identify their Asian teacher in a group
2025-06-26 16:28New Zealand will ban plastic bags for good
2025-06-26 15:05Popular Articles
Apple is reportedly still working on smart glasses of some kind
2025-06-26 17:29Artist and mom of twins harmoniously pairs working and breastfeeding
2025-06-26 16:55The iPhone 7 Plus's dual camera means true zoom is possible
2025-06-26 16:31'Stranger Things' Barb actress surprises cast at 'Chelsea' talk show
2025-06-26 16:25Trump's new tariff plan spares some smartphones, laptops
2025-06-26 15:16Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.
Comments (3961)
Creation Information Network
Best tablet deal: Save $45 on Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet
2025-06-26 17:45Style Information Network
Cam Newton's mom reads a passage from 'Watership Down' in new Under Armour ad
2025-06-26 17:33Opportunity Information Network
Amazon finally brings Alexa to the Fire tablet
2025-06-26 17:28Sailing Information Network
This map is your interactive guide to fall foliage
2025-06-26 15:51Fresh Information Network
NYT Strands hints, answers for May 2
2025-06-26 15:25