The Oxford Dictionary of Word Histories - The fascinating Life Stories of Over 12,000 Words

Glynnis Chantrell

Oxford University Press

2004

582 páginas

19h 24m

ISBN-10: 0198608934

The Oxford Dictionary of Word Histories describes the origins and sense development of over 11,000 words in the English language. Well-known idioms such as "say it with flowers" are highlighted with the dates of their original use and how and when they came about. Colorful popular beliefs are explored about the origins of words like "posh" and "snob," and insights are given into our social history revealed by language development such as the connection in a Roman soldier's mind of "salary" with salt. Throughout, boxed word-building elements show the various meanings of shared "relationships" between words.