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9780720612431

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Both informative and entertaining--a linguistic 'Call my Bluff' in which the oddest explanations often turn out to be the truth. -- Good Book Guide

Both informative and entertaininga linguistic 'Call my Bluff' in which the oddest explanations often turn out to be the truth. Good Book Guide

The blushing bride might blush still more if she knew where that word 'bride' came from and what it really means. Similarly, hay-fever sufferers might sneeze still more when they find that the bane of their lives has a lot to do with fish. As for the word 'pornography' - don't even ask. Tulloch has taken more than 500 words commonly used in the English language and delved into their origins and literal meanings. The result is both informative and entertaining - a sort of linguistic 'Call My Bluff' in which the oddest explanations often turn out to be the truth. For instance, you would be surprised to find a connection between Russian bears and videos, and you might find it hard to believe that a gnome should in fact be enormous. This is an ideal book for browsing and will hold the attention for hours of readers of all ages. (Kirkus UK)

Author Information

ALEXANDER TULLOCH is a writer, linguist and translator. He has lectured on Russian Literature for almost thirty years, and has published articles on the history of language, as well as translations of the work of Gogol and Alarcon.

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