Introduction. Ambrose Bierce fought in the American Civil War, has been the subject of many biographies, and wrote the brilliant The Devil's Dictionary(1906). Bierce satirically redefines common words and makes you rethink everything. A collection of the best entries👇

Acquaintance, n. A person whom we know well enough to borrow from, but not well enough to lend to.

Alone, adj. In bad company.

Backbite, v.t. To speak of a man as you find him when he can't find you.

Bore, n. A person who talks when you wish him to listen.

Capital, n. The seat of misgovernment.

Clairvoyant, n. A person, commonly a woman, who has the power of seeing that which is invisible to her patron, namely, that he is a blockhead.

Circus, n. A place where horses, ponies and elephants are permitted to see men, women and children acting the fool.

Diplomacy, n. The patriotic art of lying for one's country.

Education, n. That which discloses to the wise and disguises from the foolish their lack of understanding.