Fractured English

Carolyn Healy, globetrotter and ESL teacher in Venice California, recommends Richard Lederer’s Fractured English. It’s "absolutely hysterical," she says. "It’s all about how English has been mangled by foreigners and natives alike. All are real bloopers. It would be great for people who are into puns." Of his book, which he calls A Pleasury of Bloopers and Blunders, Fluffs and Flubs, and Gaffes and Goofs, the author says, "What I've tried to do is gather together more than 25 different kinds of fluffs and flubs, goofs and gaffes, blunders and bloopers. And every one is, to my knowledge, authentic, genuine, and unretouched – culled from thousands of specimens and submissions. I'm delighted by the widespread use of this book as laughter therapy."

"Richard Lederer’s delight in English is itself delightful – and contagious." Edwin Newman, author of Strictly Speaking

"Someone should declare Richard Lederer a national treasure…No one has more fun with the English language."
Ann Lloyd Merriman, Richmond Times-Dispatch

From Chapter II of Fractured English, It’s a Blunderful Life,

The word politics derives from ploy, "many," and ticks, "blood-sucking parasites." Here are more classics of poly-tickle science:

There comes a time when you have to put principle aside and do what’s right.

It doesn’t pay to fiddle while Rome is burning and the tigers are nipping at our heels. From time to time, you must divorce yourself from the heat of battle, drop back 10, and count your marbles.

I came out of that session smiling like a rose.

I deny the allegations, and I defy the allegators.

When you’re talking to me, keep your mouth shut.

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