Susie Dent

Lexicographer & Etymologist, The Longest-Serving Member on ‘Countdown’, Guest on ‘8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown’ & ‘Would I Lie to You’ & Bestselling Author of ‘Word of The Year’

Susie Dent’s Biography:

Susie Dent is a renowned British lexicographer, etymologist and broadcaster best known as the resident language expert in Dictionary Corner on Countdown. Widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading authorities on the English language, Susie has become a beloved television personality through her wit, intelligence and extraordinary knowledge of words and their origins. With decades of experience in publishing, broadcasting and language research, she has played a major role in making etymology and linguistics accessible to mainstream audiences.

After completing a BA in Modern Languages, Susie continued her studies at Princeton University, where she earned a master’s degree in German. She later joined Oxford University Press, where she worked on the production and development of dictionaries and language resources. Her expertise in lexicography and evolving language trends quickly established her as a respected figure in publishing and linguistic research.

In 1992, Susie joined Countdown as the expert in Dictionary Corner and has remained a regular on the programme ever since. Over the years, she has become the longest-serving member of the Countdown team, along with appearing on programmes including 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Would I Lie To You, and Not Going Out, expanding her profile across British entertainment television while continuing to champion language and communication.

Beyond television, Susie is also a successful author and podcast host. She has published numerous books on language and etymology, including Word of the Year, What Made the Crocodile Cry?, Dent’s Modern Tribes and Susie Dent’s Guide to Swearing. In 2019, she launched the podcast Something Rhymes With Purple alongside Gyles Brandreth, further cementing her reputation as one of Britain’s most recognisable and engaging language experts.

Why Hire Susie Dent?

Susie is hired as a speaker for her exceptional expertise in language, communication and etymology. As one of the UK’s most recognised lexicographers through her decades on Countdown, she delivers fascinating and entertaining talks that explore the evolution of language, modern communication and the power of words.

Recognised as the longest-serving member of Countdown with more than 2,500 appearances on the programme, Susie combines academic expertise with warmth, humour and engaging storytelling. Her talks cover topics including communication, language trends, culture and the history of words, making her an outstanding speaker for conferences, literary festivals and corporate events.

Susie Dent’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Susie Dent’s remarkable career:

  • 2025 – Continued appearing as Countdown’s Dictionary Corner expert and co-hosting the podcast Something Rhymes With Purple.
  • 2019 – Launched the podcast Something Rhymes With Purple alongside Gyles Brandreth.
  • 2015 – Became a regular panellist on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
  • 2007 – Published The Language Report: English on the Move for Oxford University Press.
  • 2006 – Published Fanboys and Overdogs as part of The Language Report series.
  • 2005 – Published Larpers and Shroomers for Oxford University Press.
  • 2003 – Published the first edition of The Language Report for Oxford University Press.
  • 1992 – Joined Countdown as the resident expert in Dictionary Corner.
  • 1992 – Began working with Oxford University Press producing dictionaries and language resources.
  • 1989 – Completed a master’s degree in German at Princeton University.