Curious English Words and Phrases: The Truth Behind the Expressions We Use - Softcover

Cryer, Max

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1925335879 ISBN 13: 9781925335873

Publisher: Exisle Publishing, 2018

Synopsis

For anyone who has ever puzzled over why we say ‘spill the beans’, ‘spitting image’, and a plethora of other weird and wonderful phrases! Find the truth behind the expressions we use.

Have you ever wondered where terms like ‘end of your tether’, ‘gets my goat’ or ‘letting one’s hair down’ come from? Or why we call some people ‘geezers’, ‘sugar daddies’ or ‘lounge lizards’? These are just a few of the many words and phrases that language expert Max Cryer examines in this fact-filled and fun new book.

In this etymological tour of English’s oddest expressions, Max Cryer sheds light on their origins and uses through time. Along the way he tells a host of colourful anecdotes and dispels quite a few myths – Did Churchill originate the phrase ‘black dog’? And if ‘ivory tower’ can be found in the Bible, why has its meaning changed so drastically?

Bulging with information, Curious English Words and Phrases is a treasure trove for lovers of language. Informative, amusing and value for money, this book is ‘the real McCoy’. From ‘couch potato’ to ‘Bob’s your uncle’, you’ll find the explanation here!

About this title

About the Author:

Max Cryer is a seasoned researcher and writer on aspects of the English language. A well-known broadcaster and entertainer, he hosts a weekly radio slot on the subject. He has had a long and varied career, in which he has been a schoolteacher, a compere and TV host, as well as a singer in London, Las Vegas and Hollywood. Throughout it all his love of language has remained prevalent, and he is now a full-time writer based in New Zealand.

About this edition

• Publisher: Exisle Publishing
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1925335879
• ISBN 13: 9781925335873
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 432