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Interesting Stories about Curious Words

From Stealing Thunder to Red Herrings
By Susie Dent
0.0 (0 reviews)
3.56 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 351 ratings, 42 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Interesting Stories about Curious Words by Susie Dent explores the fascinating origins and histories behind some of the English language's most intriguing words. The book delves into the cultural and historical contexts that have shaped these words, providing an engaging insight into their transformation over time. It's a delightful journey through language for those curious about the stories our words tell.
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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?

This book may appeal to you if you love exploring the quirky and fascinating origins of words and phrases. Perfect for language enthusiasts, it offers an engaging dive into the hidden stories behind everyday language, with Susie Dent's trademark wit and insight illuminating each page.

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Interesting Stories about Curious Words

A literary treasure-trove packed with amazing words, jaw-dropping stories and unforgettable etymologies from Countdown's Queen of Dictionary Corner, Susie Dent

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

Join Susie Dent, lexicographer extraordinaire and Queen of Countdown's Dictionary Corner, on a curious and exceedingly interesting adventure through all the very best red herrings, cock and bull stories and nine-day wonders in the English language.

Who was SWEET FANNY ADAMS?

What's the dramatic true story behind STEALING THUNDER?

Why is it CHANCING YOUR ARM when you take a risk?

What do bears have to do with LICKING INTO SHAPE?

Or robbers with PULLING SOMEONE'S LEG?

Why are CIRCLES VICIOUS?

And, what's so bad about a WHITE ELEPHANT?

'Nobody on earth knows more about the English language than Susie Dent' - Gyles Brandreth

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?

Susie Dent's book is praised for its engaging and lively exploration of words, bringing a playful spirit to the topic. Fans find Susie Dent to be a unique figure who brings warmth to the understanding of language, and readers will find themselves delightfully immersed in the stories behind words.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781399811675

Publisher: John Murray Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 28 September 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: John Murray Publishers Ltd

Illustration: Quarter page B&W illustrations for all chapter headings

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 36.0mm

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 220.0mm

Weight: 540g

Pages: 432

Collections

Arts & Culture Education & Reference Non-Fiction Susie Dent

About the Author

Susie Dent is the resident word expert in Dictionary Corner on C4's Countdown and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and has been on every programme about words: 15 x 15, Word of Mouth, and More or Less. Susie also writes regularly for the Radio Times, The Week Junior and The I, and her Word of the Day has attracted over 1,000,000 followers on Twitter.

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