Book
The accidental dictionary : the remarkable twists and turns of English words
Record details
- ISBN: 9781681775692
- ISBN: 1681775697
-
Physical Description:
print
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 | - |
Summary:
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."
"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."