Simon Heffer | Scarcely English: A-Z of Assaults on our Language

Join veteran Telegraph journalist Simon Heffer in conversation with Gaby Huddart for a  thought-provoking exploration of the state of modern English.

In this engaging session, Heffer highlights the lazy and careless language that has crept into everyday use and makes a compelling plea for a return to precision, accuracy, and elegance. Whilst acknowledging the natural evolution of English, Heffer argues that social media and the internet have unleashed grave assaults on the language, with a lack of rules and the rise of unedited, unregulated writing.

With his signature wit, Heffer tackles common linguistic confusions—such as the misuse of “flaunt” and “flout” or “uninterested” and “disinterested”—and calls out what he describes as “terrible” neologisms, including “infotainment” and “funwashing.”

A journalist for over 30 years with senior roles at The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator, Heffer is also the acclaimed author of Like the Roman: The Life of Enoch Powell and High Minds: The Victorians and the Birth of Modern Britain.

This event is essential for anyone passionate about language and its enduring importance.

Talk length: 1 hour including Q&A, followed by a book signing.