Items related to It's a Wonderful Word: The Real Origins of Our...
Did you know that an assassin is a hashish-eater and a yokel a country woodpecker?
That Dr Mesmer mesmerised patients back to health or that Samuel Pepys enjoyed a good game of handicap?
While we're at it, what have spondulics to do with spines or lawyers with avocados?
In It's a Wonderful Word, bestselling author Albert Jack collects over 500 of the strangest, funniest-sounding and most downright delightful words in the English language, and traces them back to their often puzzling origins. While brushing up on your gibberish or gobbledygook, discover why bastards should resent travelling salesmen, why sheets should remain on tenterhooks and why you should never set down a tumbler before finishing your drink.
From blotto to bamboozle and from claptrap to quango, Albert Jack's addictive anecdotes bring the world's most colourful language to life and are guaranteed to surprise and entertain.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Book Description:
The stories behind the most fascinating words in the English language
About the Author:
Albert Jack is a writer and historian. His first book, Red Herrings and White Elephants, explored the origins of well-known phrases; an international bestseller, it was serialised by the Sunday Times for over a year. He followed up this success with a series of bestsellers including Shaggy Dogs and Black Sheep and Pop Goes the Weasel, a book exploring the dark histories and little-known meanings behind nursery rhymes.
Fascinated by discovering the truth behind the world's great stories, Albert has become an expert in explaining the unexplained. He is now a veteran of hundreds of live television shows and thousands of radio appearances worldwide. He divides his time between Guildford and Cape Town.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherRandom House Books
- Publication date2011
- ISBN 10 1847946690
- ISBN 13 9781847946690
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages288
- Rating
Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace
Stock Image
It's a Wonderful Word: The Real Origins of Our Favourite Words
Published by
Random House UK
(2011)
ISBN 10: 1847946690
ISBN 13: 9781847946690
Used
Paperback
Quantity: 3
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR003542473
Buy Used
£ 0.78
Convert currency
Stock Image
It's a Wonderful Word : The Real Origins of Our Favourite Words from Anorak to Zombie
Published by
Penguin Random House
(2011)
ISBN 10: 1847946690
ISBN 13: 9781847946690
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: Very Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # GRP77153512
Buy Used
£ 5.74
Convert currency
Stock Image
It's a Wonderful Word: The Real Origins of Our Favourite Words
Published by
Random House Books 03/11/2011
(2011)
ISBN 10: 1847946690
ISBN 13: 9781847946690
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. . Seller Inventory # 7719-9781847946690
Buy Used
£ 3.20
Convert currency
Stock Image
It's a Wonderful Word: The Real Origins of Our Favourite Words
Published by
Random House Books 03/11/2011
(2011)
ISBN 10: 1847946690
ISBN 13: 9781847946690
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: Very Good. Shipped within 24 hours from our UK warehouse. Clean, undamaged book with no damage to pages and minimal wear to the cover. Spine still tight, in very good condition. Remember if you are not happy, you are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. Seller Inventory # 6545-9781847946690
Buy Used
£ 3.20
Convert currency
Stock Image
Its a Wonderful Word The Real Origins of Our Favourite Words by Jack, Albert ( Author ) ON Nov-03-2011, Hardback
Published by
Cornerstone
(2011)
ISBN 10: 1847946690
ISBN 13: 9781847946690
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Used; Good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books. Seller Inventory # 4188921
Buy Used
£ 3.42
Convert currency
Stock Image
Its a Wonderful Word The Real Origins of Our Favourite Words by Jack, Albert ( Author ) ON Nov-03-2011, Hardback
Published by
Cornerstone
(2011)
ISBN 10: 1847946690
ISBN 13: 9781847946690
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Used; Very Good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books. Seller Inventory # 4474025
Buy Used
£ 3.42
Convert currency
Stock Image
Its a Wonderful Word The Real Origins of Our Favourite Words by Jack, Albert ( Author ) ON Nov-03-2011, Hardback
Published by
Cornerstone
(2011)
ISBN 10: 1847946690
ISBN 13: 9781847946690
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Used; Very Good. ***Simply Brit*** Welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality. Seller Inventory # 3755850
Buy Used
£ 3.41
Convert currency
Stock Image
It's a Wonderful Word: The Real Origins of Our Favourite Words
Published by
Random House Books
(2011)
ISBN 10: 1847946690
ISBN 13: 9781847946690
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Includes dust jacket. Unread, but there is a thin cut down the spine of the dust jacket. Shipped from the UK within 2 business days of order being placed. Seller Inventory # mon0000175092
Buy Used
£ 6
Convert currency
Stock Image
Its a Wonderful Word: The Real Origins of Our Favourite Words
Published by
Random House Books
(2011)
ISBN 10: 1847946690
ISBN 13: 9781847946690
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Used; Good. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Aged book. Tanned pages and age spots, however, this will not interfere with reading. Grubby book may have mild dirt or some staining, mostly on the edges of pages. Seller Inventory # CHL9467247
Buy Used
£ 28.14
Convert currency