chambers

[Physicsgirl]

Not a question, just a post - finally got the book this morning and instantly saw what all the fuss was about. Many thanks to everyone who recommended it and I'm left wondering how I did without it for so long!

[jno]

so is this a Chambers dictionary? Never liked their plotting much.

[leylander]

what book is this??

[Christiana]

You mean the Chambers, of course. I was using an old one and that was pretty good, but this new one is a must for any crossword that uses obscure and/or obsolete words. Plus I'm constantly amazed at the additional meanings to 'ordinary' words, that I had no idea about. Until I started using it I honestly thought I could find pretty much everything on the internet dictionaries, but it 'aint' so. Even the on-line Chambers doesn't suffice.
Enjoy!

[Physicsgirl]

Chhristiana - even the wretched "TEWS" and "I-NIT" are in there .... brilliant!

[sarumite]

Have to agree Physicsgirl .. it's a must, particularly as so many crossword compilers appear to use it as their "bible"!

It was also recommended to me about 9 months ago, and I also wondered how I managed without it for so long!

[shaneystar2]

Chambers is a must ! I found a wonderful word in there by accident looking up a clue meaning a couple of days ago . The word Bish which means to make a mistake .
They have some brilliant definitions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chambers_Dictiona ry#Humorous_definitions

[kettledrum]

Thank you for that site Christiana, but they've left off MULLET - a hairstyle that is short at the front, long at the back, and ridiculous all round.

[Physicsgirl]

very good link, Shaneystar2. Will be chortling to myself all afternoon.

[jno]

which edition is this, Physicsgirl?

[shaneystar2]

Haha They also left out Eclair

Cake ..long on shape but short in duration

I don't know which edition Physicsgirl has Jno but mine is the New Ninth Edition.

[sarumite]

Mine is the 10th edition .. first published (late) 2006. I think this is still the most recent issue?

[jno]

sorry, I wasn't meaning the year, just wondering if there was any particular format (the way there are several different Oxfords), or jut the one? I haven't done a crossword for 10 years, having been more recently sucked in by sudokus, but keep telling myself I should try it again.

[Physicsgirl]

Mine is "The Chambers Dictionary 10th Edition", see website below for a reduced price (�35 usually). Happy Christmas to me.

http://www.chambersharrap.co.uk/chambers/books /dictionaries/index.shtml

[jno]

thanks, Physicsgirl. As I recall Times compilers have to use Collins because HarperCollins and the Times are both part of the Rupert Murdoch empire, but apart from that Chambers seems to be widespread among cruciverbalists. I do have one - but it's so ancient there's nothing between internee and interneural...

[Physicsgirl]

I have Collins too but since I started (trying) to do enigmatic variations in the Sunday Telegraph I really needed to upgrade since everyone else swears by it.

[shaneystar2]

By the way Physicsgirl you could also add a Bradfords to your list ..next to Chambers it's another must .
Anne Bradford is a brilliant woman who has been compiling her Crossword Solver's Dictionary since 1957, and regularly publishes new editions. She devotes a considerable time each day to solving crosswords, and notes, on average, 150 words a day.
Hard act to follow !

[Physicsgirl]

will put it on my Christmas list - thanks

[Christiana]

Thanks for the Wikepedia/Chambers link, Shaneystar - enjoyed reading through it. I endorse what you're saying re. the Bradford's, too. I got one earlier in the year and wasn't impressed at first glance, but changed my mind very quickly when I started giving it a go.

[NILYA]

I have mentioned this before, when an ABer asked what dictionaries we used.
I have a Collins Million Word Crossword Dictionary, which I bought through Reader's Digest - ISBN 0-00-721318-2
I find it very helpful.

[beegeebee]

It's ever likely I struggle rather a lot. Have just looked at what I continually use!! The Unabridged Crossword Puzzle Dictionary-----dated 1963!! Really must now get up to date.