This Day in History and CONTEST: Roald Dahl’s 100th Birthday

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Today marks 100 years since beloved British author Roald Dahl was born, so we're celebrating with a contest!
Roald Dahl and the Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary The author in 1954 at age 38 (Wikimedia Commons) and the newly-released Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary (Oxford University Press).


Roald Dahl was born on September 13, 1916. That means that if he were still alive today, he would be 100 years old. The best-selling British author is considered to be one of the world's greatest children's storytellers. And with such a long list of titles to his name, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, and The Witches, it's hard not to agree. The man wrote wonderful — and wonderfully weird — stories that we all love.

What's the word?

Dahl was also known for the imaginative language he used in his books, often inventing new words. I mean, had you ever heard of a crockadowndilly or a sizzlepan before you read The BFG? To honour Dahl's 100th year and his love of language, the Oxford English Dictionary updated its latest edition with six new words or phrases connected to his writing. These include: dahlesque, golden ticket, human bean, Oompa Loompa, scrumdiddlyumptious, and witching hour.

The Oxford University Press also recently published a Roald Dahl Dictionary complete with 8,000 words coined or popularized by the author. And guess what? We're giving YOU a chance to WIN one!

Want to win?

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

For your chance to win 1 of 3 copies of the Roald Dahl Dictionary, just tell us:

What is your favourite book by Roald Dahl?

Answer in the comments below. Good luck!

Contest is open to residents of Canada only. Contest closes on Tuesday, September 20th at 11:59PM EST. Winners will be randomly chosen. Prize courtesy of Oxford University Press. Full contest rules and regulations can be seen here.


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  3. My class’s favourite by far is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Who doesn’t love a character who goes from rags to riches by doing the right thing and making good choices.

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  6. I love Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Many of my friend like Matilda better.
    Playing with words, like he did, is fun.

    Reply

  11. My favourite book by Roald Dahl is Charlie and the chocolate factory. It was very humorous and I never lost interest till the end. The characters were very interesting

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  12. My favourite is The Witches. My sister’s favourites are James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

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  15. My favourite book by Roald Dahl is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory because I really like chocolate and his new word ‘golden ticket’ is one that I use when I talk about my favourite things to do.

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  18. My favourite book is Matilda. I like how he wrote a funny book about a girl who is really smart and has incredible powers.

    Reply

  20. My favorite book by Roald Dahl is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I love how the author plays with words and I was happy that Charlie won the factory.

    Reply
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