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Synopsis
Nothing inflames language purists like an illogical irregardless or a hideous otherization. To a purist these are "howlers" and "non-words," fit only for scorn. But in their rush to condemn such terms, are the nay-sayers missing something? This provocative and hugely entertaining book shows how the diktats of the pedants are repeatedly based on misinformation, false reasoning and straight-up snobbery. The result is a brilliant work of history, a surreptitious introduction to linguistics, and a mischievous salute to misusers of the language. Crammed with fabulous anecdotes and quotes from language purists and abusers throughout history, including Jane Austen, James Joyce, and Wayne and Garth, it also speculates on new and future coinages ("innuendous," "webinarathon").
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About the Author
Rebecca Gowers is the author of When to Walk and The Twisted Heart, both longlisted for the Orange Prize. She is also the most recent editor of Plain Words, the classic guide to the use of English by her great-grandfather Sir Ernest Gowers.
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Horrible Words : A Guide to the Misuse of English
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Horrible Words: A Guide to the Misuse of English
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Penguin Books Ltd, United Kingdom, London, 2017
ISBN 10: 014197897X
ISBN 13: 9780141978970
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. 'Stuffed with entertaining detail . Horrible Words is lively, provocative, witty and enlightening' The Times Nothing inflames the language purists like an illogical irregardless or a hideous otherization. But is it enough simply to dismiss these words as vile and barbarous howlers? Taking a genial tour far and wide through our linguistic badlands, Rebecca Gowers finds answers that are helpful, surprising and often extremely funny. 'Exuberant, erudite, informative and fun . a call on all English-speakers to trust their own feel for their language, to relish their verbal inventiveness and to do battle against the pedants who tell them they are wrong' Michael Skapinker, Financial Times 'A very useful book, packed with good historical sense' Lynne Truss, The Times. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR009220017
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Paperback. Condition: New. 'Stuffed with entertaining detail . Horrible Words is lively, provocative, witty and enlightening' The TimesNothing inflames the language purists like an illogical irregardless or a hideous otherization. But is it enough simply to dismiss these words as vile and barbarous howlers? Taking a genial tour far and wide through our linguistic badlands, Rebecca Gowers finds answers that are helpful, surprising and often extremely funny.'Exuberant, erudite, informative and fun . a call on all English-speakers to trust their own feel for their language, to relish their verbal inventiveness and to do battle against the pedants who tell them they are wrong' Michael Skapinker, Financial Times 'A very useful book, packed with good historical sense' Lynne Truss, The Times. Seller Inventory # LU-9780141978970
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Horrible Words : A Guide to the Misuse of English
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