[PDF] Word Histories A Glossary Of Unusual Word Origins eBook

Author : Julia Cresswell
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
Page : 514 pages
File Size : 29,90 MB
Release : 2010-09-09
Category : History
ISBN : 0199547939

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Contains alphabetically arranged entries that explore the origin, evolution, and social history of over three thousand English language words.

Author : William S. Haubrich
Publisher : ACP Press
Page : 282 pages
File Size : 43,33 MB
Release : 2003-11
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 1930513496

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Dr. William S. Haubrich's curiosity knows no bounds, nor does that of his readers. The overwhelming demand for more histories of yet more words is satisfied in the eagerly awaited second edition of Medical Meanings: A Glossary of Word Origins. Here the reader will find not just etymology and explanations of medical terminology but lessons in history and popular culture. They will learn what really ailed John Merrick, a.k.a., the Elephant Man; what odd deformity plagued the House of Hapsburg, rulers of Spain from 1493 to 1780; and what the connection is between fetal alcohol syndrome and Little Orphan Annie. Charming, witty, and a rollicking learning experience, the second edition of Medical Meanings is fully updated and revised to include over thirty percent more of the definitions, histories, and amusing anecdotes readers of the first edition so treasured.

Author : John Ayto
Publisher : Arcade
Page : 592 pages
File Size : 27,43 MB
Release : 2011-04-01
Category : Reference
ISBN : 9781611450538

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Uncover the hidden and often surprising connection between words. Written in a clear and informative style, the more than 8,000 articles reveal the origins of and links between some of the most common English-language words. What is the link between map and apron, acrobat and oxygen, zeal and jealousy, flour and pollen, secret and crime? Did you know that crimson originally comes from the name of tiny scale insects, the kermes, from whose dried bodies a red dyestuff is made? That Yankee began as a nickname for Dutchmen? That omelette evolved from amulette, “a thin sheet of metal,” and is a not-too-distant cousin of the word laminate? That jeans find their antecedent in jean fustian, meaning “a cotton fabric from Genoa”? They also contain an extensive selection of words whose life histories are intrinsically fascinating or instructive. This dictionary shows how modern English has developed from its Indo-European roots and how the various influences on the language—from migration and invasion to exploration, trade, technology, and scholarship—have intermingled. It is an invaluable addition to any English or linguistics library.

Author : Jess Zafarris
Publisher : Sourcebooks, Inc.
Page : 252 pages
File Size : 41,88 MB
Release : 2020-02-25
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN : 1646112601

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Where do words come from?—Teaching kids ages 9 to 12 vocabulary through word origins The English language is made up of words from different places, events, and periods of time. Each of those words has an exciting story to tell us about where, when, how, and why they came about. Once Upon a Word is packed with easy-to-understand definitions and awesome word origin stories. With this dictionary for kids, you can understand the history and meaning of English words, improve your vocabulary and spelling, and learn to play with language. Explore how weird words like gnome, fun words like zombie, and common words like caterpillar came to exist. Discover why some words sound funnier than others (like cackle, sizzle, and twang) and why some groups of words start with the same few letters (like hydrate, hydrogen, and fire hydrant). In this dictionary for kids, there's a whole world of English words to uncover! This unique dictionary for kids includes: Roots & branches—Learn about the building blocks that make up words, called roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Kid-friendly definitions—Look up definitions designed for your reading level in this dictionary for kids. Word tidbits—Find out where your favorite food words got their start, from bacon to marshmallow, spaghetti, yogurt, and beyond. See how the English language evolved with this colorful dictionary for kids.

Author : Joseph T Shipley
Publisher : Open Road Media
Page : 1067 pages
File Size : 16,26 MB
Release : 2021-10-26
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 1504068041

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This extensive reference volume presents the etymological history of thousands of English words. The story of how words come to be is the story of how humans think, and how we fashion our civilizations. Words can be the product of long and intertwining histories, migrations from other languages, or new coinages of science or slang. This diversity of origins is part of what gives the English language its beauty and power. In Dictionary of Word Origins, etymologist Joseph T. Shipley provides a fascinating window into the evolution of modern English, from the onomatopoetic aspect of “abash” to the animalistic origins of “zodiac.”

Author : Jordan Almond
Publisher : Citadel Press
Page : 292 pages
File Size : 45,75 MB
Release : 1995
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9780806517131

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This dictionary gives the intriguing origins of hundreds of everyday words and expressions. Useful for reference and fun just for browsing, Dictionary of Word Origins is also a great way to expand vocabulary and enjoy doing it.

Author : Anatoly Liberman
Publisher : OUP USA
Page : 335 pages
File Size : 21,61 MB
Release : 2009-03-16
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 0195387074

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A guide to the science and process of etymology for the layperson explains how the origins and history of hundreds of words are determined, discussing such topics as folk etymology, changes of meaning in language history, borrowed words, and the methods of etymology.

Author : Paul McFedries
Publisher : Penguin
Page : 260 pages
File Size : 12,39 MB
Release : 2008
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9781592577811

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What does it mean to 'chew the fat'? Why do we put things in 'apple-pie order'? And what on earth is a 'hat trick'? Readers will learn all this and more in this fun and engaging new addition to the Complete Idiot's Guide® series, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Weird Word Origins. This humorous book provides entertaining insight on the often metaphorical, always taken-for-granted phrases and expressions used every day. In it, language expert Paul McFedries takes readers through the sometimes surprising, always amusing world of weird words and expressions, and the fascinating stories that surround them. Presented in a fun, easy-to-read style, this book takes readers on a journey through the bizarre and eccentric origins that make up our everyday speech.