What Words Were Removed from Roald Dahl’s Books? Here’s What I Discovered
When I heard that Roald Dahl’s books were being edited, I was curious—and honestly, a little torn. I grew up on Matilda, The BFG, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. These stories shaped my imagination. But when I started looking into the changes, I realized this wasn’t just a light edit—it was a full-on rewrite of certain language.
Publishers removed or replaced words they deemed outdated or offensive. I learned that words like “fat,” “ugly,” and “crazy” were taken out or swapped for more neutral terms. For example, Augustus Gloop is no longer described as “enormously fat,” just “enormous.” Miss Trunchbull isn’t called “most formidable female” anymore—just “formidable.” Even phrases like “boys and girls” have been changed to just “children” to be more inclusive.
I get the intent: to make stories more welcoming for today’s readers. But part of me wonders—are we losing something in translation? Dahl had a knack for bold, sharp language. He didn’t sugarcoat things, and that’s what made his characters feel larger-than-life.
At the same time, I understand that language evolves. What was okay in the past might hurt or exclude people today. And if making a few word swaps helps kids feel more seen, that matters too.
For me, the key is balance. I think we can preserve the magic of Dahl’s storytelling and be mindful of modern values. Maybe we also need to give kids credit—they’re capable of discussing complex topics, especially with a little guidance.
This whole thing has made me rethink how we handle classic literature in a changing world. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m glad we’re having the conversation.
