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Family Words: A Dictionary of the Secret Language of Families (How America Speaks series) - Hardcover
Synopsis
Providing a vast collection of words developed in households across the country and through the decades, this creative reference book defines crafty words created within specific families. These words carry significant meaning within the originating family unit but are meaningless to those outside. For example, a "gluebottom" is the name for the guest who would not leave and "ootocks" became the expression for shoes and socks when a child was unable to pronounce the words individually. This dictionary includes the stories and interpretation necessary for all readers to appreciate these amusing and useful words and phrases.
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From the Back Cover
Remember the time when a relative coined a new word-- at a family occasion or under some unusual circumstance? Such expressions are passed down across generations, enriching the lore and joy of family life. Now, finally, Paul Dickson, author of the bestselling "Words" and "The Official Rules", has collected 750 of these words from families all over the country.
How do you describe the marks left on your skin by an elastic waistband? They're "puckles". Those left by the pillowcase on your face when you wake up? "Brinkles". The gift that's too practical, like an ironing board or a screwdriver? It's a "gonger". And the food particles that stick to plates are (you knew it all along) "frones".
When mathematician Edward Kasner asked his nine-year-old nephew to come up with a word for the number 1 followed by 100 zeroes, the boy answered "googol", a word that is now in standard usage. Other family words that have become mainstream include "nerd" and "humungous". Before you know it, you'll find yourself using the words in this delightful dictionary in everyday conversation.
About the Author
Paul Dickson is the author of more than 45 books, including The Hidden Language of Baseball, Labels for Locals, and Slang. He lives in Garrett Park, Maryland.
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- PublisherMarion Street Press, LLC
- Publication date2007
- ISBN 10 1933338172
- ISBN 13 9781933338170
- BindingHardcover
- LanguageEnglish
- Number of pages224
- Rating
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Family Words: A Dictionary of the Secret Language of Families (How America Speaks series)
Published by
Marion Street Press, LLC, 2007
ISBN 10: 1933338172
ISBN 13: 9781933338170
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Good condition. Good dust jacket. 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 # M09E-01866
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
Family Words: A Dictionary of the Secret Language of Families (How America Speaks series)
Published by
Marion Street Press, LLC, 2007
ISBN 10: 1933338172
ISBN 13: 9781933338170
Used
Hardcover
Seller: SecondSale, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00075034939
Quantity: 1 available