The origins of words and phrases
200802UU
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Reveals the secrets, scandals and surprises behind the words used every day. This book includes the stories and the personalities that have helped shape the English language from William Shakespeare and Lord Byron, to Rudyard Kipling and Salmon Rushdie. Did you know the phrase 'naughty but nice' was coined by novelist Salman Rushdie as an advertising slogan to sell cakes? Or that to the Anglo-Saxons a 'gossip' was a godparent? Who was the first to be sidetracked by a 'red herring'? Which writer gave us 'the last straw'?"The Origins of Words and Phrases" will reveal the secrets, scandals and surprises behind the words you use every day. Hear the stories and meet the personalities that have helped shape the English language from William Shakespeare and Lord Byron, to Rudyard Kipling and Salmon Rushdie.Produced in association with Oxford University Press, the world-renowned word experts, this indispensable reference is perfect for anybody who is curious about the way we talk today.
Main title:
Imprint:
Newton Abbot : Reader's Digest Association : [distributor] David & Charles : [distributor] Reader's Digest (Australia) Pty Ltd : [distributor] Bookwise International : [distributor] Reader's Digest,South Africa, 2008.
Collation:
384 p. : 100 col.ill., more than ; 25x20 cm.
Notes:
Hardback.
ISBN:
9780276442445 (hbk)027644244X (hbk)
Dewey class:
422
Local class:
422422.222
Language:
English
Subject:
BRN:
1348110
Bookmark link:
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