John Anthony Bowden Cuddon (June 2, 1928 – March 12, 1996), was an English author, dictionary writer, and school teacher. Known best for his Dictionary of Literary Terms (published in several editions), Cuddon also produced the large Dictionary of Sport and Games, as well as several novels, plays, travel books, and other published works. One particularly noteworthy phrase from his dictionary, was his declaration that whimsy was the "ineradicable cancer of English humour".
In his distinguished teaching career at Emanuel School in London, England, he taught English, French, and Russian. He also coached rugby and cricket.