☰

Catalogs & Directories

Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins (Oxford Quick Reference)

Sold Out / Out of Stock

Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins (Oxford Quick Reference)

Combining both accessibility and authority, The Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins describes the origins and development of over 3,000 words and phrases in the English language. The book draws on Oxford's unrivalled dictionary research program and language monitoring, and relates the fascinating stories behind many of our most curious terms and expressions in order to offer the reader a much more detailed explanation than can be found in a general English dictionary.

Organized A-Z, the entries include first known use along with examples that illustrate the many faces of the particular word or phrase, from 'handsome' to 'bachelor' and 'cute' to 'baby', from 'pagan' to 'palaver' and 'toff' to 'torpedo'. Also featured are almost 20 special panels that cover expressions common in English but drawn from other languages, such as 'coffee', 'sugar', and 'candy' from Arabic or 'booze', 'brandy', and 'gin' (Dutch).

This absorbing volume is useful for language students and enthusiasts, but also an intriguing read for any person interested in the development of the English language and of language development in general. It also includes an extended introduction on the history of the English language.
Country USA
Brand OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
Manufacturer Oxford University Press
Binding Paperback
UnitCount 1
EANs 9780199547937
ReleaseDate 0000-00-00

You might also like...

Dictionary of Word Origins: The Histories of More Than 8,000 English-Language Words

Dictionary of Word Origins: The Histories of More Than 8,000 English-Language Words

The Etymologicon: A Circular Stroll Through the Hidden Connections of the English Language

The Etymologicon: A Circular Stroll Through the Hidden Connections of the English Language

The Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology

The Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology

English Words from Latin and Greek Elements

English Words from Latin and Greek Elements

Why Do We Say It?: The Stories Behind the Words, Expressions, and Cliches We Use

Why Do We Say It?: The Stories Behind the Words, Expressions, and Cliches We Use

Dictionary of the Strange, Curious & Lovely

Dictionary of the Strange, Curious & Lovely

Barnhart Concise Dictionary of Etymology

Barnhart Concise Dictionary of Etymology

Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms (Oxford Quick Reference)

Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms (Oxford Quick Reference)

Chambers Dictionary of Etymology

Chambers Dictionary of Etymology