The Facts on File Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins Fourth Edition (Writers Reference)

About this book

Praise for the previous editions: "A feast for phrase detectives...that will enliven debates and illuminate issues." William Safire "This marvelous reference has grown by about a third from its predecessor...will appeal to researchers...having this information in one book is hard to beat." American Reference Books Annual "...couples etymology with humor...recommended..." Booklist "...diverse...highly readable...Linguists historians and word connoisseurs will appreciate this resource...will add value to any collection supporting language studies...Highly recommended." Choice The most comprehensive single-volume reference of its kind The Facts On File Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins Fourth Edition has been completely updated and expanded and now contains definitions and origins of more than 15 000 words and expressions. This encyclopedia features anecdotes and information on the development of a wide range of words including slang proverbs animal and plant names place names nicknames historical expressions foreign language expressions and phrases from literature. The emphasis throughout is on words and expressions whose origins are not adequately explained or not addressed at all in standard dictionaries. Approximately 2 500 new entries have been added to this edition ranging from "Aardsma" to "zounds." Other new entries include: All she wrote Blog I.E.D. (Improved Explosive Device) Power breakfast Read my lips Rome wasnt built in a day Soup Nazi Spider hole We who are about to die salute you.