Entertaining usage of language is all around us and can explain more about how language works than we realise. This lively and engaging book explains key linguistic concepts, illustrated throughout with humorous and entertaining examples. Providing an accessible yet comprehensive survey of the field, it is especially helpful for students who might struggle with an overly technical text. Now in its second edition, it has been extensively updated and expanded to be more comprehensive and include culturally relevant content, from memes to smartphone autocorrect errors, to misheard song lyrics. It includes four new chapters on lexical meaning, onomastics, writing systems, and language in the digital world. Key linguistic terminology is clearly introduced throughout, ensuring that students are well equipped for more technical and formal courses in their later studies. With thorough coverage of nearly all linguistic subfields, the book is an ideal text for an introduction to linguistics or language.

‘This book introduces linguistics in a humorous way, using dad jokes, running jokes, and visuals to bring the subject to life. Viewing linguistics through humor makes what can sometimes be a tough subject more accessible and enjoyable - I only wish a resource like this existed when I was studying general linguistics.’

Delia Chiaro - University of Bologna

‘Stan Dubinsky is one of the most original and creative linguists active today. Teaching linguistics can be a dull, technical exercise for students not already committed to the minute analysis of the world’s languages. But teaching it through humor is a brilliant idea, as seen in the success of the first edition of this book. With this second edition, Dubinsky has managed to improve what was already excellent into a truly outstanding pedagogical resource. I highly recommend this.’

Daniel L. Everett - Bentley University

‘The idea of introducing the field of linguistics through humor is one thing. Pulling it off is another. Stan Dubinsky has managed to do just that, to both teach and entertain. My hat goes off to him.’

Mark Aronoff - Stony Brook University

‘Many people who want to learn more about language find it difficult to engage with typical linguistics textbooks which adopt relatively abstract and general perspectives. This book takes a different approach, grounding its discussions in real-world examples - and often very funny ones - in order to open up the world of linguistics to readers who would otherwise drift away from a more standard text.’

Jeff Good - University at Buffalo