Let's Talk Turkey: The Stories Behind America's Favorite Expressions

by Rosemarie Ostler

Ever wonder what going on the wagon has to do with drinking? Why does extreme behavior take the cake? And did Americans' pocket change ever really include wooden nickels? Many of our most intriguing expressions grew out of once-familiar bits of American culture, the roots of which are now obscure. Respected linguist Rosemarie Ostler demystifies over 150 of these colorful homegrown figures of speech. She traces each saying from its first known appearance in print to its place in modern English, uncovering a host of cultural and historical tidbits along the way.Homegrown metaphors sprang up on American soil almost as fast as the colonists' first bean crop. Just as they learned new farming skills and adjusted to an unfamiliar diet, they shaped their language to fit their new situation. Expressions like to play possum and bury the hatchet are uniquely American ― they would hardly have made sense in the old country, where possums didn't exist and where hatchets were used only for splitting firewood. Ostler explains the rich history of figures of speech that grew out of the landscape and culture of North America.Much more than a list of phrases and definitions, Let's Talk Turkey is a lively and enjoyable exploration of how Americans developed their own inimitable style of speech. Expressions are arranged by cultural categories. These include some of our most bountiful sources for metaphor ― the great outdoors, business, entertainment, politics, cops and robbers, food and drink, and doing chores. The thoroughly researched entries reveal the latest etymological discoveries, along with charming and illustrative quotes.This entertaining, amusing, and very informative reference book is sure to captivate language lovers of all ages, as well as anyone fascinated with the byways and back roads of American lore.

252 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2008

About the author

Linguist and freelance writer Rosemarie Ostler loves exploring the rich record of American language use. Her latest book, The United States of English, tells the story of how the language of the colonists grew into the multiple Englishes that Americans speak today. Earlier books cover such diverse topics as the origins of our most common expressions and the centuries-long fight over what counts as proper grammar. Rosemarie lives in Eugene, Oregon.

Reviews

[Melissa]

I've already flipped through and looked at the expressions that are explained. I feel like some HUGE ones are missing.

Now that I've finished, I still think it was just "ok." There was almost too much explanation on some of the expressions and on some, halfway through reading I forgot what expression she was talking about, it felt like she was so far off topic. I did like how she said when the statement was first recorded. I'm glad I read it.

[Rick Rapp]

This is a mildly entertaining book attempting (and often missing the mark totally) to find the origins of colloquial expressions. They are grouped neatly into categories (although several of these bridge one or more category.) Any potential reader is advised to read one a day (like a vitamin) since the whole thing becomes rather tiresome. But it's definitely an innovative topic for a book.

[Steve N]

Definitely forgetting some key phrases and sayings, but overall it was fairly informative and a good read for when you are sitting it the bathroom