Word histories and mysteries: from abracadabra to Zeus
(Book)
Contributors:
Published:
Boston : Houghton Mifflin Co., 2004.
Format:
Book
Physical Desc:
xvi, 348 pages ; 21 cm
Status:
Ashland Adult Nonfiction
422.03 WOR
Description
Did you know that cats are related etymologically to caterpillars? Or that Thomas Edison played a key role in popularizing the use of the greeting “Hello”? Or that muscles were originally mice, since a flexed biceps looks like a little rodent scurrying under the skin?
Word Histories and Mysteries provides a panoramic view of the unique richness of English, uncovering the origins of five hundred everyday words whose surprising and often amusing stories offer insights into the history of humankind. Arranged in convenient alphabetical order, the notes are written in a lively and entertaining style perfect for browsing. The reader can learn how some of the most recent words, such as the computer term wiki, were coined, or trace the origins of English back to the Indo-European language spoken long before the invention of writing.
A short introduction outlines the techniques linguists use to trace the history of words, and a handy glossary explains the linguistic terms that describe the ways in which language changes over time. Photographs and drawings help familiarize the reader with the ancient objects or cultural practices from which our words have sprung.
Fascinating and fun to read, Word Histories and Mysteries is an ideal gift for high school or college students interested in language and for anyone who wants to know more about the curious sounds we make to communicate every day.
Word Histories and Mysteries provides a panoramic view of the unique richness of English, uncovering the origins of five hundred everyday words whose surprising and often amusing stories offer insights into the history of humankind. Arranged in convenient alphabetical order, the notes are written in a lively and entertaining style perfect for browsing. The reader can learn how some of the most recent words, such as the computer term wiki, were coined, or trace the origins of English back to the Indo-European language spoken long before the invention of writing.
A short introduction outlines the techniques linguists use to trace the history of words, and a handy glossary explains the linguistic terms that describe the ways in which language changes over time. Photographs and drawings help familiarize the reader with the ancient objects or cultural practices from which our words have sprung.
Fascinating and fun to read, Word Histories and Mysteries is an ideal gift for high school or college students interested in language and for anyone who wants to know more about the curious sounds we make to communicate every day.
Copies
Location
Call Number
Status
Last Check-In
Ashland Adult Nonfiction
422.03 WOR
Available
May 4, 2020
Subjects
Other Subjects
More Details
Language:
English
ISBN:
0618454500
Notes
General Note
Includes index.
General Note
Nonfiction.
Citations
APA Citation (style guide)
(2004). Word histories and mysteries: from abracadabra to Zeus. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Co.
Chicago / Turabian - Author Date Citation (style guide)2004. Word Histories and Mysteries: From Abracadabra to Zeus. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Co.
Chicago / Turabian - Humanities Citation (style guide)Word Histories and Mysteries: From Abracadabra to Zeus. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Co, 2004.
MLA Citation (style guide)Word Histories and Mysteries: From Abracadabra to Zeus. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Co, 2004.
Note! Citation formats are based on standards as of July 2022. Citations contain only title, author, edition, publisher, and year published. Citations should be used as a guideline and should be double checked for accuracy.
Staff View
Grouped Work ID:
e3aa365b-7528-09dc-79be-ec574270f4aa
Record Information
Last Sierra Extract Time | Apr 12, 2024 10:42:55 PM |
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Last File Modification Time | Apr 12, 2024 10:43:37 PM |
Last Grouped Work Modification Time | Apr 12, 2024 10:43:00 PM |
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