On dialogue tags

[snoopercharmbrights]

... I am sure Merriam-Webster would be happy to add any more you can suggest. ...

I do wonder if we could use "trumpet" as in:
"Got you," he trumpeted in triumph.

 

[elfin_odalisque]

Concentrate on writing better dialogue first. Then deal with the tags.

Perfect advice to my mind.

I think sr summed it up pretty succinctly. If you notice dialogue tags - or get disturbed by the absence of dialoge tags - then the author has messed up.

A device I've often seen and admired is a combination of "pre-tags" and names within dialogue. Like:

Adam shook his head. "I really don't think you should eat that apple."

or, "What do you know about life, Adam?"

It gets a bit trickier in lesbian and gay fiction.