Johnsonese

noun

John·​son·​ese ˌjän(t)-sə-ˈnēz How to pronounce Johnsonese (audio)
-ˈnēs
: a literary style characterized by balanced phraseology and Latinate diction

Word History

Etymology

Samuel Johnson

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Johnsonese was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near Johnsonese

Johnson City

Johnsonese

johnsongrass

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Johnsonese.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Johnsonese. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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