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Riley is your virtual thrift companion, and here to help you find your next favourite read. You can also find in-stock similar reads linked by topic and genre here!

Did you know that school originally meant “free time”? Or that a gymnasium was originally a “nude practice area”? Or that nachos are named after Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, who created them? The fascinating stories of these words and over three hundred more are told in More Word Histories and Mysteries: From Aardvark to Zombie.In this companion to the popular Word Histories and Mysteries: From Abracadabra to Zeus, the most surprising stories in the history of English vocabulary are told as a series of brief notes written in a lively and entertaining style. Conveniently arranged in alphabetical order, the notes explore all corners of the dictionary, from everyday words like flak and sideburns to scientific terms like nitrogen to regionalisms like lagniappe.The history of many words is traced back to Egypt, India, and other ancient cultures.A short introduction sketches the history of the English language and American regional dialects. A handy glossary defines special terms for readers who wish to learn more about linguistics and also gives information about the exotic languages that have enriched our vocabulary.Photographs and drawings enliven the pages and illuminate the understanding of word histories.

More Word Histories and Mysteries : From Aardvark to Zombie

ISBN: 9780618716814
Publisher: Collins Reference
Date of Publication: 2006-10-25
Format: Paperback
Regular price Our price:   $5.51
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Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

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Riley is your virtual thrift companion, and here to help you find your next favourite read. You can also find in-stock similar reads linked by topic and genre here!

Did you know that school originally meant “free time”? Or that a gymnasium was originally a “nude practice area”? Or that nachos are named after Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, who created them? The fascinating stories of these words and over three hundred more are told in More Word Histories and Mysteries: From Aardvark to Zombie.In this companion to the popular Word Histories and Mysteries: From Abracadabra to Zeus, the most surprising stories in the history of English vocabulary are told as a series of brief notes written in a lively and entertaining style. Conveniently arranged in alphabetical order, the notes explore all corners of the dictionary, from everyday words like flak and sideburns to scientific terms like nitrogen to regionalisms like lagniappe.The history of many words is traced back to Egypt, India, and other ancient cultures.A short introduction sketches the history of the English language and American regional dialects. A handy glossary defines special terms for readers who wish to learn more about linguistics and also gives information about the exotic languages that have enriched our vocabulary.Photographs and drawings enliven the pages and illuminate the understanding of word histories.