| Word Origins: The Hidden Histories of English Words from A to Z Contributor(s): Ayto, John (Author) |
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ISBN: 0713674989 ISBN-13: 9780713674989 Publisher: A&c Black Business Information and Developmen OUR PRICE: $16.10 Product Type: Paperback Published: October 2006 Annotation: This in-depth exploration of the English language covers every nuance and curiosity of this constantly evolving linguistic pastiche. It is estimated that every year 800 neologisms are added to the English language, and include acronyms (NIMBY, Not In My Backyard), blended words (motel), and those taken from foreign languages (savoir-faire). Laid out in an a-to-z format with detailed cross-references and written to appeal equally to students, etymologists, and nonnative speakers, this historical guide is an invaluable resource for this truly global lingua franca. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Language Arts & Disciplines | Linguistics - Etymology |
| Dewey: 422.03 |
| LCCN: 2006365155 |
| Physical Information: 1.19" H x 6.12" W x 9.18" (1.86 lbs) 576 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The average contemporary English speaker knows 50,000 words. Yet stripped down to its origins, this apparently huge vocabulary is in reality much smaller, derived from Latin, French and the Germanic languages. It is estimated that every year, 800 neologisms are added to the English language: acronyms (nimby), blended words (motel), and those taken from foreign languages (savoir-faire). Laid out in an A-Z format with detailed cross references, and written in a style that is both authoritative and accessible, Word Origins is a valuable historical guide to the English language. |