The accidental dictionary : the remarkable twists and turns of English words / Paul Anthony Jones.
Examines the etymological origins and developments of one hundred words, including "brothel," "grin," and "zombie."
"Our everyday language is full of surprises; its origins are stranger than you might think. Any word might be knocked and buffeted, subjected to twists and turns, expansions and contractions, happy and unhappy accidents. There are intriguing tales behind even the most familiar terms, and they can say as much about the present as they do the past ... Focusing on one hundred surprising threads in the evolution of English, The Accidental Dictionary reveals the etymological origins and quirky developments that have led to the meanings we take for granted today. It is a weird and wonderful journey into words." --Provided by publisher.
Record details
- ISBN: 9781681775692
- ISBN: 1681775697
- Physical Description: xi, 242 pages ; 22 cm
- Edition: First Pegasus books hardcover edition.
- Publisher: New York : Pegasus Books, 2017.
Content descriptions
Bibliography, etc. Note: | Includes bibliographical references (pages 241-242). |
Search for related items by subject
Genre: | Nonfiction. Dictionaries. Dictionaries. |
Show Only Available Copies
Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Homer Public Library | 422 JON (Text) | 000157242 | Nonfiction | Available | - |
The Accidental Dictionary : The Remarkable Twists and Turns of English Words
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Author Notes
The Accidental Dictionary : The Remarkable Twists and Turns of English Words
Paul Anthony Jones is a writer, etymologist, and language blogger. He is the author of several British books on trivia and language, including the widely acclaimed Word Drops: A Sprinkling of Linguistic Curiosities . He has contributed to the Guardian , the Huffington Post , BuzzFeed , Mental Floss and BBC Radio 4's The World at One , and he also runs @HaggardHawks, the hugely popular language-based Twitter account and YouTube channel. A piano teacher and musician, he lives in Newcastle upon Tyne.