Susie Dent

Susie Dent is a celebrated English lexicographer and etymologist, best known to millions as the resident word expert in Dictionary Corner on the Channel 4 game show Countdown. Having initially joined the programme in 1992, she has since made over 5,000 appearances and remains the longest-serving member of the current on-screen team. Her work extends to the comedy spin-off 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and the hit podcast Something Rhymes with Purple, which she co-hosts with Gyles Brandreth. Beyond her television work, she is a spokesperson for Oxford University Press and recently co-wrote the romantic radio drama Only One Word for Love for BBC Radio 4. Throughout her career, she has contributed her linguistic expertise to a vast range of programmes, including Woman's Hour, Newsnight, and The One Show. Her literary output is equally extensive, with regular columns for the Radio Times and the I newspaper, alongside several books such as An Emotional Dictionary. She has previously shared her passion for language through national solo tours, including The Secret Lives of Words. In addition to her broadcasting work, she has served as a judge for the Costa Book Awards and the Academy Excellence Awards. Organisations book Susie for her unrivalled command of the English language and her engaging ability to explain the curious origins of our vocabulary. She offers audiences a fascinating perspective on how communication and culture evolve, making her an ideal choice for events focused on clarity and linguistic history. On stage, Susie Dent is best known for talks on Language, Communication, Linguistics and Word Origins. Audiences leave with a clear, practical view of the subject rather than a generic overview — every keynote is shaped around the brief and the room. Their work resonates with leaders across Media & Broadcasting and Publishing, where the themes translate directly into team decisions, customer experience and growth strategy. Susie Dent is regularly booked for Conference Speaker and Awards Hosts, adapting tone, length and format to suit the event — from a 20-minute opener to a full conference keynote with Q&A. Based in UK, Susie Dent travels internationally for engagements. To check availability or request a tailored brief for your event, send an enquiry and we'll come back with fees, dates and a short summary of how Susie Dent would approach your audience.