Dictionary of Word Origins: A History of the Words, Expressions and Cliches We Use

by Jordan Almond

Dictionary of Word A History of the Words, Expressions and Cliches We Use answers the age old question of Why do we say it? This dictionary gives the intriguing origins of hundreds of everyday words and expressions.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction

286 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection *did* make me go "ooh! aah!" and other fun exclamations :D My one criticism I do have is that I think the words, expressions, and clichés that are part of the quizzes sprinked throughout would have made more sense to just be part of the main text. Feels silly to banish those two hundred definitions to this unorthodox format.

[Cricket Muse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm intrigued by words and expressions which are part of everyday language. "Clear the decks," "Let her rip," or why doctors are sometimes referred to as "quacks" plus a plethora more are explained and discussed in this handy little reference book. Enlightening!

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts were interesting. Parts amusing. Some words or phrases I’d never heard before and then I looked at the date of the publication — 1985. Lightbulb: some must already be out of our colloquial usage. Could be a good reference though.