talking dictionary

talking dictionary
 n.— «A few British bachelors developed liaisons with local lasses, usually tea-pickers. Such women were euphemistically—and imaginatively—called “talking dictionaries.” For she also helped to brush up the man’s knowledge of Tamil—a prerequisite then, as now, for advancement in a planter’s career.» —“Tea-time tricks” by George N. Netto Indian Express (Mumbai) June 14, 2005. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)

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Further reading

Blessing Box (episode #1613)

Is there such a thing as a “neutral” accent, and if so what does it sound like? And that quirk in the way southern Californians talk about freeways. They’ll say things like take the 405 and get on the 8. Why the definite article...