What’s in a Word by Webb Garrison

If you know a lover of etymology (the study of word origins and developments), have a coffee table or just love a quick read while in the bathroom, then this is the book for you. 

This book was a lot of fun to read and the reasoning behind every day common words and phrases and their origins are explained in concise paragraph form.  Most take about a minute to read and enjoy.  Below are a couple of  examples from the book that I got a kick out of:

For more than two centuries the English-speaking world has used the expression “stealing thunder” to mean the appropriation of any effective device or plan that was originated by someone else.  An obscure English dramatist was father of the phrase.  For the production of a play, John Dennis invented a new and more effective way of simulating thunder onstage.  His play soon folded, but shortly afterward he discovered his thunder machine in use for a performance of Macbeth at the same theater.  Dennis was furious.  “See how the rascals use me!”  he cried.  “They will not let my play run, and yet they steal my thunder!”

Lady

In Anglo-Saxon times most families were quite large, so there was much work to be done around the household.  Custom decreed that special tasks should be allotted to various female members of the group.  Unmarried girls usually looked after such matters as milking and spinning.  But the privelege of making bread, one of the most important items of their diet, was reserved by the housewife herself.  She was called the lae-dige, meaning “the bread kneader.”  Later centuries modified the term to lady.  Etymologically speaking, no woman is entitled to be called a lady until she has learned to make bread!

Fun, right?!?!?!  Perfect gift for someone special or interesting tidbits for research projects.  Will dazzle others at parties and make you look like a smarty pants.  Highly recommended!

Booksneeze sent me the above book for review purposes. It will allow me to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Booksneeze.

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