{"title":"John Ayto","description":"\u003cp\u003eJohn Ayto's works delve into the fascinating world of language, offering readers a rich exploration of words and their histories. His books are ideal for those with a curiosity about etymology, linguistics, and the evolution of English vocabulary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect for both casual language lovers and serious scholars, Ayto's titles serve as engaging references that illuminate the origins and meanings behind everyday words. His clear and accessible style makes complex subjects approachable and enjoyable.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"dictionary-of-word-origins-by-john-ayto-9781611450538","title":"Dictionary of Word Origins","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is the link between map and apron, acrobat and oxygen, zeal and jealousy, flour and pollen, secret and crime? Did you know that crimson originally comes from the name of tiny scale insects, the kermes, from whose dried bodies a red dyestuff is made? That Yankee began as a nickname for Dutchmen? That omelette evolved from amulette, \"a thin sheet of metal,\" and is a not-too-distant cousin of the word laminate? That jeans find their antecedent in jean fustian, meaning \"a cotton fabric from Genoa\"?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Dictionary of Word Origins\u003c\/i\u003e uncovers the hidden and often surprising connection between words. Written in a clear and informative style, the more than 8,000 articles reveal the origins of and links between some of the most common English-language words. They also contain an extensive selection of words whose life histories are intrinsically fascinating or instructive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis dictionary shows how modern English has developed from its Indo-European roots and how the various influences on the language—from migration and invasion to exploration, trade, technology, and scholarship—have intermingled. It is an invaluable addition to any English or linguistics library.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NewSouth Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47536543957228,"sku":"9781611450538","price":34.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781611450538-dictionary-of-word-origins.jpg?v=1776382697"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/john-ayto.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}