Overview

Have you ever wondered where terms like `end of your tether’, `gets my goat’ or `letting ones hair down’ come from? Or why we call some people `geezers’, `sugar daddies’ or `lounge lizards’? Or where the words `eavesdropping’, `nickname’ and `D-Day’ come from? They are just a few of the many words and phrases that language expert Max Cryer examines in this fact-filled and fun new book. Max explains where these curious expressions come from, what they mean and how they are used. Along the way he tells a host of colourful anecdotes and dispels quite a few myths – Did Churchill originate the phrase `black dog’? And if `ivory tower’ can be found in the Bible, why has its meaning changed so drastically? 'Curious English Words and Phrases' is a treasure trove for lovers of language. Informative, amusing and value for money, this book is `the real McCoy’. From `couch potato’ to `Bob’s your uncle’, you’ll find the explanation here!

Full Product Details

Author:   Max Cryer
Publisher:   Exisle Publishing
Imprint:   Exisle Publishing
Dimensions:   Width: 13.50cm , Height: 3.30cm , Length: 21.00cm
Weight:   0.525kg
ISBN:  

9781921966019

ISBN 10:   1921966017
Pages:   432
Publication Date:   01 July 2012
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

It is possible (if admittedly fanciful) to envisage the English language as being like a vast and ancient city – magnificent and full of interest, but at the same time shambolic. It has been subject to suburban sprawl, has constantly added new edifices, upgraded heritage precincts in some quarters, demolished them in others, and has complex roading systems freely negotiable only by those who have long lived in that area. And the `city’ has wrenched benefits from other civilisations by shamelessly raping, pillaging and outright thieving from them – words, images, expressions and proverbs. No other language has been safe from the grasp of this great conurbation known as English: Sanskrit, Hindustani, Arabic, Turkish, Russian, Japanese can be found in its small winding alleys besides, on the main streets, the more expected Latin, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Swedish and Russian (`more expected’ because Britain is only 35 kilometres from the Continent at the closest point).

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Author Information

Max Cryer is a seasoned researcher and writer on aspects of the English language. A well-known broadcaster and entertainer, he hosts a weekly radio slot on the subject. In a long career, he has been a schoolteacher, a compere and TV host, as well as a singer in London, Las Vegas and Hollywood.

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