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Word Myths : Debunking Linguistic Urban Legends Hardcover David W
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Word Myths : Debunking Linguistic Urban Legends Hardcover David W
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Word Myths : Debunking Linguistic Urban Legends Hardcover David W

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    Item specifics

    Condition
    Very good
    A book that does not look new and has been read but is in excellent condition. No obvious damage to the cover, with the dust jacket (if applicable) included for hard covers. No missing or damaged pages, no creases or tears, and no underlining/highlighting of text or writing in the margins. May be very minimal identifying marks on the inside cover. Very minimal wear and tear. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitionsopens in a new window or tab
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    “Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. 100% ...
    Book Title
    Word Myths : Debunking Linguistic Urban Legends Hardcover David W
    ISBN
    9780195172843

    About this product

    Product Identifiers

    Publisher
    Oxford University Press, Incorporated
    ISBN-10
    0195172841
    ISBN-13
    9780195172843
    eBay Product ID (ePID)
    30756959

    Product Key Features

    Number of Pages
    234 Pages
    Publication Name
    Word Myths : Debunking Linguistic Urban Legends
    Language
    English
    Publication Year
    2004
    Subject
    Linguistics / Etymology, Linguistics / General
    Type
    Textbook
    Author
    David Wilton
    Subject Area
    Language Arts & Disciplines
    Format
    Hardcover

    Dimensions

    Item Height
    0.9 in
    Item Weight
    13.6 Oz
    Item Length
    8.2 in
    Item Width
    5.8 in

    Additional Product Features

    Intended Audience
    Trade
    LCCN
    2004-005598
    Dewey Edition
    22
    Reviews
    "Think "hot dog" was coined by a New York baseball vendor, or that a certain vulgarity originated as an acronym? Then you need to read this book, which shows that some of the best etymological stories are just tall tales."--Chicago Tribune(10 Best Books About Language, 2004), "Amateur, no make that professional logophile and word origins website editor Wilton corrects the mistakes many of us make in what we believe are the origins of words and phrases. He begins by examining the origins of these fallacies, and why we persist in perpetuating them. After relieving usof any misconceptions about the existence of Dr. Condom, and sorting out that pesky "crap" question, Wilton concludes with ways to find, and enjoy the true origins of words."--Reference and Research Book News, "This fascinating collection of myths about word origins should be a joy to read."--Don McCreary, Department of English, University of Georgia., "Think "hot dog" was coined by a New York baseball vendor, or that a certain vulgarity originated as an acronym? Then you need to read this book, which shows that some of the best etymological stories are just tall tales."--Chicago Tribune (10 Best Books About Language, 2004), "This fascinating collection of myths about word origins should be a joyto read."--Don McCreary, Department of English, University of Georgia., "Detailing the whole fascinating history behind words and phrases that,for one reason or another, have tall tales attached to them.... Buy it for:Armchair academics/cocktail party know-it-alls."--Philadelphia Weekly, "Think "hot dog" was coined by a New York baseball vendor, or that a certain vulgarity originated as an acronym? Then you need to read this book, which shows that some of the best etymological stories are just tall tales."--Chicago Tribune (10 Best Books About Language, 2004)"Detailing the whole fascinating history behind words and phrases that, for one reason or another, have tall tales attached to them.... Buy it for: Armchair academics/cocktail party know-it-alls."--Philadelphia Weekly"Think "hot dog" was coined by a New York baseball vendor, or that a certain vulgarity originated as an acronym? Then you need to read this book, which shows that some of the best etymological stories are just tall tales."--Chicago Tribune (10 Best Books About Language, 2004)"Amateur, no make that professional logophile and word origins website editor Wilton corrects the mistakes many of us make in what we believe are the origins of words and phrases. He begins by examining the origins of these fallacies, and why we persist in perpetuating them. After relieving us of any misconceptions about the existence of Dr. Condom, and sorting out that pesky "crap" question, Wilton concludes with ways to find, and enjoy the true origins ofwords."--Reference & Research Book News"This fascinating collection of myths about word origins should be a joy to read."--Don McCreary, Department of English, University of Georgia., "Amateur, no make that professional logophile and word origins websiteeditor Wilton corrects the mistakes many of us make in what we believe are theorigins of words and phrases. He begins by examining the origins of thesefallacies, and why we persist in perpetuating them. Fully armed, he then goes onto expose the "big boys," such as "rule of thumb," and the 500 words Eskimos aresaid to have for "snow." He goes on to settle with the English in a chapterentitled "Posh, Phat Pommies," and then takes on naval destroyers of thelanguage. In following chapters he battles hookers, political correctness, waxtadpoles and jelly donuts. After relieving us of any misconceptions about theexistence of Dr. Condom, and sorting out that pesky "crap" question, Wiltonconcludes with ways to find, and enjoy the true origins of words."--Referenceand Research Library Book News, "Detailing the whole fascinating history behind words and phrases that, for one reason or another, have tall tales attached to them.... Buy it for: Armchair academics/cocktail party know-it-alls."--Philadelphia Weekly
    Illustrated
    Yes
    Dewey Decimal
    422
    Synopsis
    Do you "know" that posh comes from an acronym meaning "port out, starboard home"? That "the whole nine yards" comes from (pick one) the length of a WWII gunner's belt; the amount of fabric needed to make a kilt; a sarcastic football expression? That Chicago is called "The Windy City" because of the bloviating habits of its politicians, and not the breeze off the lake? If so, you need this book. David Wilton debunks the most persistently wrong word histories, and gives, to the best of our actual knowledge, the real stories behind these perennially mis-etymologized words. In addition, he explains why these wrong stories are created, disseminated, and persist, even after being corrected time and time again. What makes us cling to these stories, when the truth behind these words and phrases is available, for the most part, at any library or on the Internet? Arranged by chapters, this book avoids a dry A-Z format. Chapters separate misetymologies by kind, including The Perils of Political Correctness (picnics have nothing to do with lynchings), Posh, Phat Pommies (the problems of bacronyming--the desire to make every word into an acronym), and CANOE (which stands for the Conspiracy to Attribute Nautical Origins to Everything). Word Myths corrects long-held and far-flung examples of wrong etymologies, without taking the fun out of etymology itself. It's the best of both worlds: not only do you learn the many wrong stories behind these words, you also learn why and how they are created--and what the real story is., David Wilton debunks the most persistently wrong word histories, and gives, to the best of our actual knowledge, the real stories behind these perennially mis-etymologized words. In addition, he explains why these wrong stories are created, disseminated, and persist, even after being corrected time and time again. What makes us cling to these stories, when the truth behind these words and phrases is available, for the most part, at any library or on theInternet?, Do you "know" that posh comes from an acronym meaning "port out, starboard home"? That "the whole nine yards" comes from (pick one) the length of a WWII gunner's belt; the amount of fabric needed to make a kilt; a sarcastic football expression? That Chicago is called "The Windy City" because of the bloviating habits of its politicians, and not the breeze off the lake? If so, you need this book. David Wilton debunks the most persistently wrong word histories, and gives, to the best of our actual knowledge, the real stories behind these perennially mis-etymologized words. In addition, he explains why these wrong stories are created, disseminated, and persist, even after being corrected time and time again. What makes us cling to these stories, when the truth behind these words and phrases is available, for the most part, at any library or on the Internet? Arranged by chapters, this book avoids a dry A-Z format. Chapters separate misetymologies by kind, including The Perils of Political Correctness (picnics have nothing to do with lynchings), Posh, Phat Pommies (the problems of bacronyming --the desire to make every word into an acronym), and CANOE (which stands for the Conspiracy to Attribute Nautical Origins to Everything). Word Myths corrects long-held and far-flung examples of wrong etymologies, without taking the fun out of etymology itself. It's the best of both worlds: not only do you learn the many wrong stories behind these words, you also learn why and how they are created--and what the real story is.
    Illustrated by
    Brunetti, Ivan
    LC Classification Number
    PE1584.W55 2004

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