Dictionary Of Word Origins

Description

Words are the building blocks of language, but their derivations are often stories in themselves. Have you ever wondered why we wear perfume, read magazines , vote for candidates , and speak in jargon ? With entries from accolade to zoo , and including such disparate items as blackmail , fiasco , and rigmarole , this dictionary explains the origins and development of 300 commonly used words. In selecting words for inclusion, Linda and Roger Flavell have chosen those with a story to tell. The result is an enlightening guide to the richness and diversity of the English language, boasting both scholarly accuracy and much to delight the curious browser.