I Always Look Up the Word "Egregious"

by Maxwell Nurnberg

Clarifies pairs of words that are often confused, and explains the correct usage of slang expressions, words and phrases borrowed from other languages, and other, often misused words

Genres: Reference, Language, Nonfiction, Writing, Linguistics, Books About Books, Words

290 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Robu-sensei · Rating 2 out of 5]

A collection of fairly common to highly obscure words, with examples and (usually) etymology. Not the best of the books of this type I've read, but decent. The most interesting part, to me, is that the examples were taken from news stories in the late 1970s. Consequently, I read more about the Jimmy Carter administration in one week than in the previous 20 years.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting take on a dictionary. Sections include pretentious words, foreign language words/phrases we often see in novels (sotto voce, quid pro quo, etc.), words that may fool you, and other categories. Not a book to be read straight through but to pick up every now and then and read some of the selections.

[John]

Pretty good so far! It's kind of hit-or-miss - there will be words that seem quite common to me. And often there are words used in the definitions or descriptions that I can't find defined in the book. Maybe that's because it's 25 years old though.

[Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

It literally is a vocabulary book for people who don't need one.
I kind of need it , to feel like one of those people though...ironic.

[Susabelle Kelmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tag line for this book is "A vocabulary book for people who don't need one." How true this is! I try to read a word a day, I'm a long way from actually finishing the book and I've had it for several years. Love this book!

[brian tanabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for word lovers and sporadic readers.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

words like schmaltz just make me happy

[Nita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book while studying for the GRE and it was a nice break from all the formal GRE vocabulary study books.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as good as "The Highly Selective Thesaurus..." but it does reference words that even those of us who don't always look up the word egregious can appreciate.

[Pedro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A word lover's must read. Warning though, this book is only for word lovers. Enjoy

[Bjm Index]

4

[Maureen Masson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading & rereading this book:-)