Overview

From the Persian roots of ‘khaki’ to the Shakespearean sass behind ‘crocodile tears’, this book is your backstage pass to discovering the at once fascinating, strange and amusing histories of the popular words and phrases we use every day, though mostly without pausing to reflect on their etymology. Linguistic sleuth Sumanto Chattopadhyay peels back the layers of language and takes us on a rollicking ride to demystify the origins and meanings of common words and quirky idiomatic expressions that sometimes frustrate us—and get our goat—or sound Greek to us!

Full Product Details

9789370034181

Table of Contents

Reviews

'Words and phrases have stories to tell-often unexpected, sometimes amusing, always revealing. Sumanto listens closely, following them through history and across continents, uncovering their curious origins with affection and wit. This book is a delightful exploration for those who love the English language and its many surprises.' -Ruskin Bond

Author Information

Sumanto Chattopadhyay is the creator of The English Nut, an award-winning social media channel focused on the nuances of the English language.

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