The Real McCoy: Why We Say the Things We Say - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0192806114 ISBN 13: 9780192806116

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2005

Synopsis

English is incredibly rich language, full of colorful and unusual phrases and expressions. This entertaining book illuminates the question of why we say the things we say. The Real McCoy gives the fascinating stories behind hundreds of the most interesting and commonly used idioms in the English language-from 'black sheep' to 'mad hatter' they're all here. Each phrase has been thoroughly researched to uncover its origins and the way it has been used in the past. The book includes a section focusing on idioms linked by a common theme, such as phrases coined by Shakespeare, nautical phrases, or phrases with Biblical origin.

Written in a lively and approachable style,The Real McCoy includes specially commissioned cartoons to illustrate the idioms making this great book a truly entertaining look at the colorful side of the English language.

About this title

Reviews

The foreword to this alphabetical arrangement of "everyday phrases" points out that "metaphorical expressions and allusions give life and vibrancy" to language and "have done so for as long as anyone can remember." Indeed, the origin of many sayings has long since faded into obscurity, although the phrase itself may still be in wide use. Hole intends to fill that gap with this appealing book, which reveals the sometimes-surprising origins of some of our favorite sayings. Starting with A1 (first used in 1775) and ending with spin a yarn(a nautical term), Hole provides a brief definition followed by the phrase's history, usage, and variation in meaning over time. Shaded panels throughout also group expressions by theme, such as colors (caught red-handed), eating and drinking (days of wine and roses), and parts of the body (down in the mouth). A particularly interesting section covers the remarkable number of less-famous expressions attributable to Shakespeare, such as to your heart's content and at one fell swoop. Addictive reading for verbivores and fine browsing material for everyone else. Joanne Wilkinson
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Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0192806114
• ISBN 13: 9780192806116
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208
• Editor: Hole Georgia, Hawker Sara