A word usage guide for authors

[Joe]

Now and then we come upon words or slang that were used in a HF book that were incorrect for the time period. Also, there are many words than have us wondering about their origion. "Made In America" by Bill Bryson is interesting reading as well as a guide to word origion and date of usage.
For instance: 5 and 10, or five and dime (store) 1905. Dope addict 1933. Scram (go away) 1920.
The word "strike" (labor strike) comes from sailors striking (lowering) the sails so a unsafe ship could not be put to sea.
Hundreds of more goodies await.

[Chrisl]

Joe's post spurred my cataloger's curiosity. Alas, no library within 100 miles has the book. Nor would I have guessed the subject to be "Americanisms-History"

http://www.worldcat.org/title/made-in...

Made in America: An Informal History of the English Language in the United States

[Kathy]

I always use my etymology dictionary of words and phrases. I'm much more diligent than I used to be, especially after I slipped up on the word, okay. It was not in use in 1880. My apologies to all who read it in my older stuff. Lesson learned. ;)

[Bernice]

Joe wrote: "Now and then we come upon words or slang that were used in a HF book that were incorrect for the time period. Also, there are many words than have us wondering about their origion. "Made In America..."

Joe, thank you for the book recommendation. I will add it to my reading list. Writing dialogue in historical fiction can be very challenging!

[Joe]

For little more than the $3.99 for shipping, you can get a used copy from Amazon.

[Bernice]

Joe wrote: "For little more than the $3.99 for shipping, you can get a used copy from Amazon."

Thanks, possibly. But, once I was a librarian, so that's usually my first check! B.

[Joe]

Bernice wrote: "Joe wrote: "For little more than the $3.99 for shipping, you can get a used copy from Amazon."

Thanks, possibly. But, once I was a librarian, so that's usually my first check! B."

I mentioned it only because someone said their library system did not have it. Mine was from my library.

[Steven]

kathy: you were right originally and shouldn't apologize. "Okay" was in use in the u.s. in the 1830's and then further popularized as an abbreviation for "the OK club" supporting martin van buren's candidacy in 1840....it was in use in the u.s. two generations before 1880!

[Andrew]

Thanks Joe for the "heads up" about MADE IN AMERICA

[Ruth]

There's a really good resource called the online etymology dictionary. I use it all the time

http://www.etymonline.com

[Joe]

Ruth wrote: "There's a really good resource called the online etymology dictionary. I use it all the time

http://www.etymonline.com"

Thank you Ruth for posting this.

[Ruth]

You're welcome.