The Devil's Dictionary is a satirical dictionary written by American Civil War soldier, journalist, and writer Ambrose Bierce consisting of common words followed by humorous and satirical definitions. The lexicon was written over three decades as a series of installments for magazines and newspapers. Bierce's witty definitions were imitated and plagiarized for years before he gathered them into books, first as The Cynic's Word Book in 1906 and then in a more complete version as The Devil's Dictionary in 1911.
Ambrose Bierce book The Devil's Dictionary
Source: The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
Context: Christian, n. One who believes that the New Testament is a divinely inspired book admirably suited to the spiritual needs of his neighbor. One who follows the teachings of Christ so long as they are not inconsistent with a life of sin.
“Impiety, n. Your irreverence toward my deity.”
Ambrose Bierce book The Devil's Dictionary
Source: The Devil's Dictionary
“Absurdity, n. A statement or belief manifestly inconsistent with one's own opinion.”
Ambrose Bierce book The Devil's Dictionary
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
“Mayonnaise, n. One of the sauces that serve the French in place of a state religion.”
Ambrose Bierce book The Devil's Dictionary
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
“Labor, n. One of the processes by which A acquires property of B.”
Ambrose Bierce book The Devil's Dictionary
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
“Cannon, n. An instrument employed in the rectification of national boundaries.”
Ambrose Bierce book The Devil's Dictionary
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
“Diplomacy, n. The patriotic art of lying for one's country.”
Ambrose Bierce book The Devil's Dictionary
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
“Back, n. That part of your friend which it is your privilege to contemplate in your adversity.”
Ambrose Bierce book The Devil's Dictionary
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
“Rational, adj. Devoid of all delusions save those of observation, experience and reflection.”
Ambrose Bierce book The Devil's Dictionary
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
“Capital, n. The seat of misgovernment.”
Ambrose Bierce book The Devil's Dictionary
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
