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The stories behind the words and phrases we use.
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The term eponym was created about a century ago. The word was coined from two Greek words, epi, 'on' or 'upon, ' and onama, 'a name.' But its broadened meaning, as dictionaries set it out, refers to the person for whom something is named. This dictionary... [ More...]
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What do the words saguaro, parka, hickory, and muskrat have in common? They all come from Native American languages. Few people consider how deeply American English is indebted to Native Americans and how widely the contributions of Native Americans are... [ More...]
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English is the most creative, changeable and imaginative of languages. Some words are invented to meet temporary needs and are quickly discarded; others carry meanings hundreds of years old. Language fascinates us, and we spend a lot of time playing with... [ More...]
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Etymology has been largely neglected since the beginning of this century. Professor Yakov Malkiel here sets out to rescue it from its fate. He enquires into the style, structure, presuppositions, and purposes of etymological enquiries over the last two... [ More...]
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Place name elements from over 300 languages are arranged alphabetically, followed by the name of the language or language group of origin, the meaning in English and, in many cases, the word's usage in an actual place name.
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The definitive book on the vocabulary of love, from the nationally syndicated "Word Detective."
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Have you ever wondered which actress was the original "Blonde Bombshell," why prying people are often called "Nosey Parkers," or why Jane Fonda is referred to as "Hanoi Jane"? Curious about what the "It" is in "It Girl"? From the affectionate and... [ More...]
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