Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary
by Susan Rennie · Grade 3-6 · Ages Ages 8-12
This cheerful dictionary helps readers explore real words and Roald Dahl’s playful made-up words. It uses examples from Dahl’s stories, fun notes, and Quentin Blake illustrations to show how words can be silly, surprising, and powerful.
Key vocabulary
To play around with words in a silly, creative way. Roald Dahl loved to gobblefunk with language.
Something that tastes extremely delicious. A warm cookie might be scrumdiddlyumptious.
Wonderful, excellent, or full of sparkle. A splendiferous day feels bright and happy.
Making a funny popping sound from your body. It is a silly Roald Dahl word meant to make readers giggle.
Playful trouble or naughty fun. A puppy getting into a basket of socks is making mischief.
Very wonderful or amazing. A marvellous idea can make everyone smile.
Strange or unusual in an interesting way. A purple sandwich would be quite peculiar.
Very, very big. An enormous pumpkin might take two people to carry it.