A whole snozzing lot of the humor in this book comes from the BFG’s language. He doesn’t talk nonsense exactly—it’s more that he mixes up words that sound alike or rhyme. Which makes for some great wordplay, to say the least. It also makes him seem more like a child—like he’s on Sophie’s level instead of some adult giant with the smarts and the know-how to teach her things like a real grown-up.
The poor BFG is sensitive about his word mix-ups, because he never went to school. In the beginning, Sophie can’t seem to help herself from correcting him, but later in the book, she becomes his translator, and finally, his teacher—once he comes to terms with all the corrections. Now that’s a good friend. And a good teacher.
Questions About Language and Communication
- Why do the giants call human beings “human beans?”
- When does Sophie stop correcting the BFG’s language? What finally gets her to stop?
- How does Dahl use synonyms, rhymes, and suffixes to make the BFG’s language pop?
- Many of the BFG’s words are simply real words that are used incorrectly, but some are entirely made-up. How does Dahl clue readers into what the made-up words might mean?
Chew on This
The BFG’s sensitivity about his language skills also represents concerns about his social class.
The BFG’s language adds to his likeability for readers.