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Curious English Words and Phrases
The Truth Behind the Expressions We Use
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Brief Description
Have you ever wondered where terms like ‘end of your tether’, ‘gets my goat’ or ‘letting one's hair down’ come from? Or why we call some people ‘geezers’, ‘sugar daddies’ or ‘lounge lizards’? Or where the words ‘eavesdropping’, ‘nickname’ and ‘D-Day’ come from? They are just...
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Curious English Words and Phrases
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See moreLanguage expert Max Cryer’s new book is an up-to-date guide to some of the most interesting words and phrases in the English language: where they come from, why we say them, what they mean. Bulging with information, it is a useful reference book and the ideal gift for anyone curious about the words and expressions we use.
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Description
Have you ever wondered where terms like ‘end of your tether’, ‘gets my goat’ or ‘letting one's hair down’ come from? Or why we call some people ‘geezers’, ‘sugar daddies’ or ‘lounge lizards’? Or where the words ‘eavesdropping’, ‘nickname’ and ‘D-Day’ come from?
They are just a few of the many words and phrases that language expert Max Cryer examines in this fact-filled and fun new book. Max explains where these curious expressions come from, what they mean and how they are used. Along the way, he tells a host of colourful anecdotes and dispels quite a few myths – did Churchill originate the phrase ‘black dog’? And if ‘ivory tower’ can be found in the Bible, why has its meaning changed so drastically?
Curious English Words and Phrases is a treasure trove for lovers of language. Informative, amusing and value for money, this book is ‘the real McCoy’. From ‘couch potato’ to ‘Bob’s your uncle’, you’ll find the explanation here!
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781925335873
Publisher: Exisle Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 October 2018
Country: New Zealand
Imprint: Exisle Publishing
Edition: Second Edition
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 133.0mm
Height: 210.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 432
About the Author
Max Cryer is a seasoned researcher and writer on aspects of the English language. A well-known broadcaster and entertainer, he hosts a weekly radio slot on the subject. In a long career, he has been a schoolteacher, a compere and TV host, as well as a singer in London, Las Vegas and Hollywood.
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