Speaker’s Bio

For those organizations that need a brief biography about Richard for an introduction, please use the statement below.


Richard Lederer, Ph.D., is the author of more than 50 books about language, history, and humor, including his best-selling Anguished English series and his newest titles, The Complete Pleasury of Word & Phrase Origins and Lederer’s Language & Laughter. He is a founding co-host of “A Way With Words,” broadcast on Public Radio.

Richard’s syndicated column, “Lederer on Language,” appears in magazines and newspapers throughout the United States. He has been named International Punster of the Year and Toastmasters International’s Golden Gavel winner.

Richard is the proud father of poker champions Howard Lederer and Annie Duke and poet/memoirist Katy Lederer. Richard and his wife, Simone van Egeren, live in San Diego.