“Wickedictionary” by Dr. Derek Abbott features an ever-growing collection of wry redefinitions for everyday concepts

ADELAIDE, Australia (MMD Newswire) August 26, 2011 – – “Wickedictionary” (ISBN 1463668260), a reference work by Dr. Derek Abbott, provides a multi-sourced and updated version of Ambrose Bierce’s famous “Devil’s Dictionary” in honor of that work’s 100th anniversary. 

Like Bierce’s work, Abbott’s book is an attempt at humorous and pointed descriptions of everyday terms and concepts, intended to make readers laugh as well as rethink received interpretations of the world around them. However, unlike the earlier work, this dictionary is drawn from a variety of sources and the author plans to update the work regularly based on reader contributions. This crowd-sourcing aspect makes the book a true “wiki” and confirms the cutting-edge nature of the work.

“The book is both the perfect ‘bathroom read’ as well as a powerful tool that a professional speech writer, philosopher, author or comedian can pick up to find a repository of thought-provoking, inspirational ideas,” says Abbott.

Boasting definitions by the likes of Albert Einstein – “Creativity: n. is knowing how to hide your sources” – as well as contributions by newcomers such as Lloyd Irving specifically written for the book – “Morals: n. excuses for not behaving badly” – the book has something for every reader.

“Wickedictionary” is available for sale online at Amazon.com and other channels.

About the Author

Dr. Derek Abbott was born in South Kensington, London. He received his bachelor’s degree from Loughborough University of Technology and his doctorate from the University of Adelaide, Australia. A well-known scientist, Abbott is a regularly-featured speaker at events in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. After living in both the U.S. and U.K., he currently lives with his wife in Adelaide, Australia.