h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

What's a sniglet? You tell us that it isn't in the dictionary, and then explain what the word 'execuglide' means, but don't explain what sniglet means.

Yes, example please? (Or will I be forced to actually Google it like some normal person?)

A sniglet is a word that should be in the dictionary but isn't. The reason I can give you an example is because Rich Hall made a load up, which he transmitted on Saturday live and filled five volumes of books with. I'm not sure how I haven't made this clear?

Understood. I just wanted an example, like:

*Wily's Law (noun)- The only know exception to Newton's Law of Gravity, Wily's Law states that an animal or person can suspend himself in midair provided (a) he is in a cartoon, and (b) he doesn't look down and realize he is no longer on solid ground.*

There's an example in the footnote. If you want more examples, there's an entry on sniglets in Wikipedia. I did put another one in but it was ridiculously long so I took it out.

Ah, I see the source of confusion. You have "sniglet, a word which is not in the dictionary".

You meant "A 'sniglet' is a term for a word which is not in the dictionary", but we took it to mean "Sniglet is a word which is not in the dictionary (but I'm not going to tell you what it means)".

I'll change it slightly to reflect that.

Have a look at it now and see is everyone happy.

It would probably make more sense as 'sniglet: a word which should be in the dictionary but isn't'. You can blame ashman for that.

I posted that last remark just as you posted yours, so I didn't read it first, if you see what I mean. I still like my way, but yours is just as good. I typed 'food' there, first time round. I must be hungry.

Perhaps, given the nature of this site, one might define "sniglet" as "something that could have, or indeed did, appear in 'The Meaning of Liff', by Douglas Adams & John Lloyd".

For instance:

Sniglet: "Accordionated (ah kor' de on ay tid) - adj. Being able to drive and refold a road map at the same time."

Meaning of Liff: Kalami: the ancient Japanese art of refolding road maps properly.

Sniglet: "Blivett (blih' vit) - v. To turn one's pillow over and over, looking for the cool spot."

Meaning of Liff: Abilene: the pleasing coolness on the other side of the pillow.

Sniglet: Clunes - n., pl. People who just won't go.

Meaning of Liff: Clunes: People who just won't go. (This one is a bit obvious...)

Not to suggest for a moment that Mr. Hall (whom I have met and shaken the hand of, and who is a lovely man with an excellent twinkle) plagiarised the idea from Douglas Adams, or indeed vice versa. Merely to point out that great minds (and there is little doubt that Mr. Hall and Messrs. Adams & Lloyd were/are great minds) think alike.

SoRB

It's nice that both Douglas Adams and Rich Hall came up with this idea. But we're not allowed to assume that the reader is familiar with the works of Douglas Adams, so we couldn't use the definition as you've phrased it, SoRB.

Good to see you, by the way.

I thought the easiest way to explain sniglets would be by linking to the guide entry on The Meaning of Liff, but it turns out that there isn't one so it's easier to explain sniglets as a thing in there own right.

I know I am a bit late in this, but I must confess I am apouled that that question would be asked, is there no reading comprehention across the Atlantic?

Sniglet: n. a word that should be in the dictionary but isn't.

example: execuglide, the act of moving from one place to another using a wheeled chair.

I mean, I am suffering from lack of sleep, am 16 years old, and am admitedly an American, yet even I can understand the footnote... by the way I am sorry for the rant, but I am a bit peeved.

and yes I know I cant spell, but I will not be bothered with spellcheck

and now I feel like a fool because I realise that it has been changed since the first post was made... sigh...

Thanks for popping in to comment Twiglet. Maybe now you can get some sleep?