Behind most words is a story, and in Word Origins, the stories are as entertaining as they are factual and informative. Here is the how and when of English words, from their beginnings throughout the world as well as how their uses and meanings have changed through the centuries. Arranged thematically, Word Origins explores language from various viewpoints, including: proper names and cultures, politics, cooking styles, scientific terms - even as expressions of attitudes and emotions. There is often romance behind a business term and characters of ancient history behind sports names. A section on word oddities as well as how Greek and Latin prefixes have created thousands of words help make Word Origins a unique reference source and a unique source of great fun.