Description
The average contemporary English speaker knows 50,000 words. Yet stripped down to its origins, this apparently huge vocabulary is in reality much smaller, derived from Latin, French and the Germanic languages. It is estimated that every year, 800 neologisms are added to the English language: acronyms (nimby), blended words (motel), and those taken from foreign languages (savoir-faire). Laid out in an A-Z format with detailed cross references, and written in a style that is both authoritative and accessible, Word Origins is a valuable historical guide to the English language.
Author: John Ayto
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published: 10/01/2006
Pages: 574
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.86lbs
Size: 9.18h x 6.12w x 1.19d
ISBN13: 9780713674989
ISBN10: 0713674989
BISAC Categories:
- Language Arts & Disciplines | Linguistics | Etymology
Author: John Ayto
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published: 10/01/2006
Pages: 574
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.86lbs
Size: 9.18h x 6.12w x 1.19d
ISBN13: 9780713674989
ISBN10: 0713674989
BISAC Categories:
- Language Arts & Disciplines | Linguistics | Etymology
About the Author
John Ayto is an experienced lexicographer and author of many language titles. He is Chief Etymologist on the Bloomsbury English Dictionary.
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