This book investigates the linguistic gap in the English language by identifying and naming common, everyday phenomena that currently lack a formal term. Rich Hall, a comedian and writer, utilizes a satirical and observational framework to categorize these 'sniglets'—words that don't appear in the dictionary but should. By applying a mock-academic structure to trivial human experiences, the author highlights the absurdity of modern life and the flexibility of language. The text serves as a humorous lexicon for the mundane, providing definitions for experiences that are universally recognized yet previously unnamed.

The work is regarded as a classic of 1980s observational humor, noted for its clever wordplay and enduring influence on pop culture. It remains a staple for readers interested in the intersection of comedy and linguistics, offering a lighthearted look at the quirks of human behavior.