When did you last hear someone refer to the wireless? Do you know the origin of the expression tin-horn gambler? Language is always changing, and in Gallimaufry, Michael Quinion has gathered together hundreds of fascinating examples of words and meanings which have vanished from our language. Sometimes a word is lost when the thing it describes becomes obsolete, sometimes it survives in a figurative sense while the original meaning is lost, and sometimes it simply gives way to a more popular alternative. We discover that scuttlebutt was the name of a water cask on a ship, around which sailors might gossip. The popular hat Fedora got its name from a character in a French play (Fedora Romanov, played by Sarah Bernhardt). With over a thousand curious words grouped under such headings as Food and Drink, Health and Medicine, and Entertainment and Leisure, and an index of featured words, this book is perfect for anyone intrigued with the history of the English language.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Michael Quinion is a professional writer who has published widely on the English language. He was a co-author of the second edition of the Oxford Dictionary of New Words.
`Review from previous edition I have bought my husband's Christmas present'
Dot Wordsworth, The Spectator
`A fascinating book, full of the kind of authoritative information his readers have come to expect'
Jonathon Green, World Wide Words
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Shipping:
US$ 4.00
Within U.S.A.
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. Good condition. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains. Seller Inventory # O07L-01091
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: As New. Like New condition. A near perfect copy that may have very minor cosmetic defects. Seller Inventory # K09B-03052
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.7. Seller Inventory # G0199551022I5N00
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: HPB-Diamond, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_400549071
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. 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 # GOR001937153
Quantity: 3 available
Seller: Powell's Bookstores Chicago, ABAA, Chicago, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: Used - Very Good. 2009. Paperback. Very Good. Seller Inventory # Z0251285
Quantity: 3 available
Seller: Powell's Bookstores Chicago, ABAA, Chicago, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: Used - Good. 2009. Paperback. Good. Seller Inventory # D28210
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: AwesomeBooks, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Gallimaufry: A hodgepodge of our vanishing vocabulary This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 7719-9780199551026
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: Bahamut Media, Reading, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780199551026
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: Book Deals, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. Good condition. This is the average used book, that has all pages or leaves present, but may include writing. Book may be ex-library with stamps and stickers. 0.71. Seller Inventory # 353-0199551022-gdd
Quantity: 1 available