Today is Charles Dickens' bicentennial birthday

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Today marks the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens, author of masterpieces like "A Christmas Carol," "Oliver Twist" and "A Tale of Two Cities. Only Shakespeare was more prolific creating new characters. Dickens tackled topics that remain relevant today, most notably economic inequality. His sensitivity to class issues most likely took shape in his childhood. His father landed the family of 10 in debtor's prison, which only 12-year-old Charles escaped by working in a shoe polish factory.

Creating a vocabulary of words that are still in use today -- like bah humbug and butter fingers -- Dickens' words remain long after the author.

Ethel at the Crenshaw Village Goodwill admits she's used Dickens' words unknowingly, especially during one specific time of year.

"Christmastime everyone is a Scrooge. Bah humbug."

So the next time you are flummoxed (bewildered), see the magician David Copperfield or hear somebody exclaim, "What the Dickens!" you won't be lost in translation.