Family Words: The Dictionary for People Who Don't Know a Frone from a Brinkle

Remember the time when a relative coined a new word -- at a family occasion or under some unusual circumstance? Such expressions are passed down across generations, enriching the lore and joy of family life. Now, finally, Paul Dickon, author of the bestselling Words and The Official Rules, has collected 750 of these words from families all over the country.

How do you describe the marks left on your skin by an elastic waistband? They're "puckles." Those left by the pillowcase on your face when you wake up? "Brinkles." The gift that's too practical, like an ironing board or a screwdriver? It's a "gonger." And the food particles that stick to plates are (you knew it all along) "frones."

When mathematician Edward Kasner asked his nine-year-old nephew to come up with a word for the number 1 followed by 100 zeroes, the boy answered "googol," a word that is now in standard usage. Other family words that have become mainstream include "nerd" and "humongous." Before you know it, you'll find yourself using the words in this delightful dictionary in everyday conversation.