Dictionary of Fine Distinctions: Nuances, Niceties, and Subtle Shades of Meaning

Humor writer Burnstein’s debut isn’t a book of comedy. Instead, the topic amounts to the differences in meaning and intent among related words. His book starts with “emoji” vs. “emoticon” (which leads to the advanced “kaomoki”). The book also compares “symphony” and “concerto,” “envy” and “jealousy,” “deep web” and “dark web,” “ethics” and “morality,” “snitch” and “rat,” “beautiful” and “sublime.” It distinguishes between a “schlemiel” (Seinfeld’s Kramer, for example) and a “schlimazel,” a consistently unlucky person such as Seinfeld’s George. What’s the difference between “kitsch” and “camp”? It has to do with attitude. Burnstein concludes there are nearly no differences among latte, flat white, cappuccino, and cortado beverages, due to the way they’re prepared today. People who love words will chuckle their way through this lovely book. New Yorker cartoonist Finck’s illustrations add to the pleasure.