The Facts on File Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins (Writers Reference)

Hendrickson, Robert

ISBN 10: 0816069662 / ISBN 13: 9780816069668

Published by Facts on File, 2008

Special order direct from the distributor. Seller Inventory # ING9780816069668

Synopsis:

Praise for the previous editions:
"A feast for phrase detectives...that will enliven debates and illuminate issues." William Safire

"This marvelous reference has grown by about a third from its predecessor...will appeal to researchers...having [this information] in one book is hard to beat." American Reference Books Annual

"...couple[s] etymology with humor...recommended..." Booklist

"...diverse...highly readable...Linguists, historians, and word connoisseurs will appreciate this resource...will add value to any collection supporting language studies...Highly recommended." Choice

The most comprehensive single-volume reference of its kind, The Facts On File Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins, Fourth Edition has been completely updated and expanded and now contains definitions and origins of more than 15,000 words and expressions. This encyclopedia features anecdotes and information on the development of a wide range of words, including slang, proverbs, animal and plant names, place names, nicknames, historical expressions, foreign language expressions, and phrases from literature. The emphasis throughout is on words and expressions whose origins are not adequately explained, or not addressed at all, in standard dictionaries. Approximately 2,500 new entries have been added to this edition, ranging from "Aardsma" to "zounds."

Other new entries include:

• All she wrote
• Blog
• I.E.D. (Improved Explosive Device)
• Power breakfast
• Read my lips
• Rome wasn't built in a day
• Soup Nazi
• Spider hole
• We who are about to die salute you.

Reviews: Grade 9 Up—This volume features more than 15,000 quirky words and expressions (2500 of them added since the 2004 edition) from the English/American vernacular. The text, arranged alphabetically, covers a broad range of slang terms, acronyms, coined phrases, literary references, and other dialectical gems. Written in an often-humorous tone, the brief entries consist of etymology and examples of usage culled from sources such as Shakespearean plays, films, or famous declarations. Terms range from classical nicknames (Heraclitus's "The Weeping Philosopher") to pop-culture references (the Seinfeld-ism "man hands"). Foreign expressions such as the British-born "do the needful" and the timely Iraqi "I throw a shoe at you!" are explained. Cross-references are provided, and the index includes listings of phrases and the subjects who uttered them. As the preface states, "No word or phrase has been eliminated because it might offend someone's sensibilities." Hendrickson admits that some origins presented are mere theories. Moreover, the lack of a pronunciation guide and the volume's anecdotal approach undermine its academic value. Still, the author provides an entertaining, informative look at the diversity of influences on the English language. Readers will find plenty to pique their interest in this strong secondary source.—Christina Connolly, Clark University, Worcester, MA
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This is a unique dictionary that focuses on the origins of words and expressions in North American English not usually addressed in standard dictionaries. The definitions are filled with humor, when appropriate, as well as colorful examples. The new edition contains more than 15,000 entries—up from 12,500 in the third (2003) edition—arranged in two columns per page. Users will learn how expressions such as blog, easy as taking candy from a baby, Spanglish, State of the Union message, and X rated came into use. Explanations range from a few short sentences to several paragraph and include the history of the word or phrase, how it is used, and who may have originated it. Terms range from the very current IED to those that are not much heard in contemporary times (mackintosh, for example) to the almost overused political correctness. There are entries for words derived from other languages, coined words, words from the names of people and places, and more. An index at the back of the book is especially useful for identifying terms attributed to particular people. Not only practical but entertaining as well, this work would complement any standard dictionary. It would prove useful in most libraries—particularly public and undergraduate libraries. Teacher-librarians will want to note that it includes entries for four-letter swear words—as well as many colorful variations, epithets, and phrases using swear words and their origins.

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Facts on File Encyclopedia of Word and ...
Publisher: Facts on File
Publication Date: 2008
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: New
Edition: 4th Edition.