a harmless drudge

[kadioguy]

[In A Dictionary of the English Language, by Samuel Johnson]

Lexicographer: a writer of dictionaries; a harmless drudge that busies himself in tracing the original, and detailing the signification of words.

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What does the 'harmless' mean? Does it mean that a dictionary may have some faults but that the writer of it may have done their best and haven't intentionally meant to cause harm or offense, if any?

 

[jutfrank]

This phrase harmless drudge was Johnson's way of referring to himself, so it's deliberately meant to be self-deprecating. I imagine he was modestly referring to himself as harmless quite generally, rather than talking about causing harm through his dictionary.

 

[teechar]

Johnson coined "harmless drudge" as a quaint expression to describe himself and the work he was doing in compiling his dictionary.
harmless ~ of no significant/major consequence.
drudge ~ someone fully busy with/immersed in doing tedious work.

Take a look at the attached snippet, which I got from Google Books.
["Historical Dictionaries in their Paratextual Context" edited by Roderick McConchie, Jukka Tyrkkö]

[cross-posted]

 

[tzfujimino]

BobK, one of the moderators here(?), is a "Harmless drudge". :-D
https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/threads/242339-Summers-winters-etc-syntax

 

[Rover_KE]

:idea: I often wondered why he gave himself that designation.

 

[emsr2d2]

If you ever get the opportunity to visit Dr Johnson's house in London, take it. I went a couple of years ago with a friend from Vermont and it was fascinating. Have a look HERE.

 

[probus]

BobK, one of the moderators here(?), is a "Harmless drudge". :-D
https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/threads/242339-Summers-winters-etc-syntax

We have not heard from BobK for quite some time. Does anybody know if he's okay?