Word Nerd by Jenn McKinlay

Jenn McKinlay: Way back in the day when I was a librarian, I used to live for the New York Times Book Review. I'd spread it out on my desk with a good cup of coffee at my elbow and read it cover to cover, taking note of any words I didn't know. Later, I'd look up the definition and write it beside the word in a little notebook, hoping to add it to my personal lexicon. These are some of my favorite memories from my library days.

Sadly, the Book Review is not what it once was and I've stopped keeping a list, but I still enjoy stumbling upon a cool new word here and there and adding it to my collection. Lately, the unusual words I've stumbled across all have a love of books or writing in common, so I thought I'd share them with you and invite you to add any favorites of your own to the list.

Librocubicularist: A person who reads in bed! (Also known as my perfect day.)

Tsundoku: 積 (the Japanese characters for "pile" and "read" -- hey, there's a tattoo idea!) It means leaving a book unread after purchase, adding it to a collection of similarly unread books. (Basically, the act of building your TBR pile).

Bibliobibuli: A person who reads too much. (Um...no such thing!)

Scriptorium: A sacred space for writing. As opposed to the backseat of my car, when hiding from the fam? (Yes, please! I need to get me one of these.)


Epeolatry: The worship of words. (Sounds like my kind of religion.)

Well, Reds and Readers, are any of these new to you? Do you have any favorite book words that I've missed?