The Devil's Dictionary

by Ambrose Bierce

"The Devil's Dictionary" by Ambrose Bierce is a satirical dictionary written over three decades and published in complete form in 1911. This lexicon offers humorous and biting definitions of common words, transforming ordinary language into sharp social commentary. Originally appearing as magazine and newspaper installments beginning in the 1870s, Bierce's witty wordplay was widely imitated and plagiarized before being collected into book form. Now considered a masterpiece of American satire, it has earned international acclaim for its brilliant, howlingly funny take on language and human nature.