Cart
Free US shipping over $10
Proud to be B-Corp

Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins Julia Cresswell (Freelance)

Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins By Julia Cresswell (Freelance)

Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins by Julia Cresswell (Freelance)


$10.00
Condition - Very Good
8 in stock

Summary

An accessible, lively A-Z of over 3,000 words and their origins, drawn from Oxford's unrivalled dictionary research and language monitoring. Ideal for language lovers and students alike, the Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins relates the fascinating stories behind many of our most curious words and expressions.

Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins Summary

Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins by Julia Cresswell (Freelance)

Combining both accessibility and authority, the Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins describes the origins and development of over 3,000 words and phrases in the English language. The book draws on Oxford's unrivalled dictionary research programme and language monitoring, and relates the fascinating stories behind many of our most curious terms and expressions in order to offer the reader a much more explicit account than can be found in a general English dictionary. Organized A-Z, the entries include first known use along with examples that illustrate the many faces of the particular word or phrase, from 'handsome' to 'bachelor' and 'cute' to 'baby', from 'pagan' to 'palaver' and 'toff' to 'torpedo'. Also featured are almost 20 special panels that cover expressions common in English but drawn from other languages, such as 'coffee', 'sugar', and 'candy' from Arabic or 'booze', 'brandy', and 'gin' (Dutch). This absorbing volume is useful for language students and enthusiasts, but also an intriguing read for any person interested in the development of the English language and of language development in general. Includes an extended introduction on the history of the English language.

Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins Reviews

A fascinating book for anyone interested in the English language. * Writing Magazine *
This book is as engrossing...as it is enlightening...erudite and delightful work. * Christopher Hirst, The Independent *
I enjoyed picking up this chattily written dictionary. * Dot Wordsworth, Spectator *
It is an ideal stocking filler...a delightful cornucopia of derivations. * Crawford Gillian, East Anglian Daily Times *

About Julia Cresswell (Freelance)

Julia Cresswell is an experienced author and language researcher, having worked on the 4th edition of the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. Books to her credit include Naming Your Baby: The Definitive Dictionary of First Names, and The Cat's Pyjamas: The Penguin Book of Cliches.

Table of Contents

ABBREVIATIONS; INTRODUCTION; WORDBUILDING; DICTIONARY; GLOSSARY

Additional information

GOR002502298
9780199547937
0199547939
Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins by Julia Cresswell (Freelance)
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Oxford University Press
20100909
512
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins