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Awkword Moments
A Lively Guide to the 100 Terms Smart People Should Know
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Check link for latest rating. ( 70 ratings, 13 reviews)
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
A compendium of 100 words and phrases smart people use—even if they only kinda sorta (secretly don't) know what they mean—with pithy definitions and fascinating etymologies to solidify their meanings.
Your boss makes a joke about Schrödinger's cat—which is something you've heard of, but you're a little vague about what exactly happened (or didn't happen) with that cat. Or you're reading a New Yorker article that explains that "Solecism slipped into solipsism into full-blown narcissistic project." An excellent point... if you're sure what "solecism" means... or, for that matter, "solipsism."
Language gurus Ross Petras and Kathryn Petras to the rescue! In the breezy and entertaining yet informative style of their New York Times bestseller You're Saying It Wrong, they give you a brief rundown on words smart people should know—from the worlds of science and the arts to philosophy, and from broader topics like quantum physics and ontology to more specific ones like Plato's cave and trompe l'oeil. They cover the Latin phrases we hear and read (prima facie, sui generis, and the like) as well as those that have entered our vocabularies from other languages (bildungsroman, sturm und drang).
These are the words that, if you were asked directly, "What does this mean?" you might hem and haw and try to change the subject. After reading Awkword Moments, you won't have to.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Awkword Moments by Kathryn Petras and Ross Petras is praised for its engaging and humorous exploration of language mishaps and awkward expressions. Reviewers appreciate the authors' insightful yet entertaining approach to discussing elements of language that are often overlooked. Many find the book both educational and amusing, making it a delightful read for those interested in language and communication.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781984856388
Publisher: Random House USA Inc
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 10 March 2020
Country: United States
Imprint: Ten Speed Press
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 127.0mm
Height: 178.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 192
About the Author
Ross Petras and Kathryn Petras are the authors of the #1 bestselling page-a-day calendar The 365 Stupidest Things Ever Said and many other humor and gift books, most recently That Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means. They recently launched a new NPR-affiliate podcast based on their New York Times bestseller You're Saying It Wrong. Their work has received the attention of personalities like David Brinkley and Howard Stern, and media outlets including the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal, Playboy, Cosmopolitan, Washington Post, HuffPost, and the Times (UK). They have appeared on hundreds of radio and TV shows including Good Morning America (about menopause), CNN (about bad poetry), and Fox & Friends (about Paris Hilton).
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Dance First. Think Later by Kathryn and Ross Petras is a treasure trove of motivational and thought-provoking quotes that inspire the reader to live a richer, more meaningful life. This exceptional collection encapsulates the wisdom of an eclectic mix of historical icons, contemporary figures, and brilliant minds from various walks of life. Timeless in their wisdom, thought-provoking in their message,...Paperback$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Pedantic
Your boss makes a joke about Schrödinger's cat - something you've heard of, but what exactly happened (or didn't happen) with that cat? Or you're reading a New Yorker article that explains that 'Solecism slipped into solipsism into full-blown narcissistic projection.' An excellent point... if you know what 'solecism' means... or, for that matter, 'solipsism'. Language gurus Ross Petras and...Paperback$2499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Pre-order365 Stupidest Things Ever Said Page-A-Day Calendar 2027
365 Stupidest Things Ever Said Page-A-Day Calendar 2027 offers a daily dose of absurdly asinine articulations. Delve into baffling gaffes and fantastic fumbles, featuring statements from truth-challenged politicians, pointless 911 calls, what not to say in court, and hilarious headlines. This is a hilarious roundup of famous people, including sports stars, politicians, entertainers, and names from the headlines—all saying really...Calendar$3499Unit price /UnavailableOut 11 Aug 2026Pre-order
Also by Ross Petras
View all-
"Dance First. Think Later"
Dance First. Think Later by Kathryn and Ross Petras is a treasure trove of motivational and thought-provoking quotes that inspire the reader to live a richer, more meaningful life. This exceptional collection encapsulates the wisdom of an eclectic mix of historical icons, contemporary figures, and brilliant minds from various walks of life. Timeless in their wisdom, thought-provoking in their message,...Paperback$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Pedantic
Your boss makes a joke about Schrödinger's cat - something you've heard of, but what exactly happened (or didn't happen) with that cat? Or you're reading a New Yorker article that explains that 'Solecism slipped into solipsism into full-blown narcissistic projection.' An excellent point... if you know what 'solecism' means... or, for that matter, 'solipsism'. Language gurus Ross Petras and...Paperback$2499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Pre-order
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365 Stupidest Things Ever Said Page-A-Day Calendar 2027 offers a daily dose of absurdly asinine articulations. Delve into baffling gaffes and fantastic fumbles, featuring statements from truth-challenged politicians, pointless 911 calls, what not to say in court, and hilarious headlines. This is a hilarious roundup of famous people, including sports stars, politicians, entertainers, and names from the headlines—all saying really...Calendar$3499Unit price /UnavailableOut 11 Aug 2026Pre-order
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