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WORD HISTORIES AND MYSTERIES: FROM ABRACADABRA TO ZEUS Paperback - 2004
by EDITORS OF THE AMERICAN HERITAGE DICTIONARIES,
- New
- Paperback
- first
Providing a panoramic view of the unique richness of English, this history uncovers the origins of 500 everyday words--from Abracadabra to Zeus--whose surprising and often amusing stories offer insights into the history of humankind.
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Details
- Title WORD HISTORIES AND MYSTERIES: FROM ABRACADABRA TO ZEUS
- Author EDITORS OF THE AMERICAN HERITAGE DICTIONARIES,
- Binding Paperback
- Edition 1st
- Condition New
- Pages 348
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher HMH, NY
- Date 2004
- Illustrated Yes
- Features Glossary, Illustrated, Table of Contents
- Bookseller's Inventory # AME_9780618454501
- ISBN 9780618454501 / 0618454500
- Weight 1 lbs (0.45 kg)
- Dimensions 8.57 x 5.52 x 0.91 in (21.77 x 14.02 x 2.31 cm)
- Library of Congress subjects English language - Etymology
- Library of Congress Catalog Number 2004014798
- Dewey Decimal Code 422
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Summary
Did you know that cats are related etymologically to caterpillars? Or that Thomas Edison played a key role in popularizing the use of the greeting “Hello”? Or that muscles were originally mice, since a flexed biceps looks like a little rodent scurrying under the skin?
Word Histories and Mysteries provides a panoramic view of the unique richness of English, uncovering the origins of five hundred everyday words whose surprising and often amusing stories offer insights into the history of humankind. Arranged in convenient alphabetical order, the notes are written in a lively and entertaining style perfect for browsing. The reader can learn how some of the most recent words, such as the computer term wiki, were coined, or trace the origins of English back to the Indo-European language spoken long before the invention of writing.
A short introduction outlines the techniques linguists use to trace the history of words, and a handy glossary explains the linguistic terms that describe the ways in which language changes over time. Photographs and drawings help familiarize the reader with the ancient objects or cultural practices from which our words have sprung.
Fascinating and fun to read, Word Histories and Mysteries is an ideal gift for high school or college students interested in language and for anyone who wants to know more about the curious sounds we make to communicate every day.
Word Histories and Mysteries provides a panoramic view of the unique richness of English, uncovering the origins of five hundred everyday words whose surprising and often amusing stories offer insights into the history of humankind. Arranged in convenient alphabetical order, the notes are written in a lively and entertaining style perfect for browsing. The reader can learn how some of the most recent words, such as the computer term wiki, were coined, or trace the origins of English back to the Indo-European language spoken long before the invention of writing.
A short introduction outlines the techniques linguists use to trace the history of words, and a handy glossary explains the linguistic terms that describe the ways in which language changes over time. Photographs and drawings help familiarize the reader with the ancient objects or cultural practices from which our words have sprung.
Fascinating and fun to read, Word Histories and Mysteries is an ideal gift for high school or college students interested in language and for anyone who wants to know more about the curious sounds we make to communicate every day.
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Media reviews
Citations
- American Reference Bks Annual, 01/01/2005, Page 456
- Library Journal, 01/15/2005, Page 158
