An Illustrated Guide to Words of Harmony

The Roots We Share is a lovingly illustrated guide to 100 words and phrases that bring people together, penned by Countdown’s dictionary expert Susie Dent.

At a time when the world feels more divided than ever, it’s important to remember the things that unite, rather than divide us. Susie has searched far and wide to unearth words and phrases that celebrate harmony, unity and the universal languages, that connect people across the world.

From conjobble (chat with a friend over food) to goodwilly (to be kind, generous and cheerful). At atone for a mistake (become ‘at one’ with someone again) or simply head off on a coddiwomple (a journey with no destination).

This joyous collection of words celebrates the things in life that bind us together – from friendship, love and peace to community, music and even the stars. These are the roots we share.

About the Author

Susie Dent is a lexicographer and etymologist who was educated at a private convent school, set in 55 acres of woodland in Berkshire. After studying German at Princeton University, she spent a year teaching the language in New York, before returning to England and becoming the resident lexicographer on Countdown.

In a recent interview, she said on turning 60 ‘It’s like I blinked and it happened’.

When I hear the news that the word ‘selfie’ has been named Word of the Year by Oxford Dictionaries, I feel slightly horrified. I still think of myself as fairly youthful but I haven’t got a clue what ‘twerk’ or ‘binge-watch’, two of the other words in the running, mean.