- Hardcover: 304 pages
- Publisher: PARTICULAR BOOKS (Aug 25 2009)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1846141842
- ISBN-13: 978-1846141843
- Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 13.8 x 3.6 cm
- Shipping Weight: 422 g
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #204,967 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
Review
'He tracks down a phrase and pins it down with a wit as sharp as a tack' Metro 'Like being drawn into a great detective story, full of red herrings and bogus alibis' Mail on Sunday 'A marvellous and original book, erudition without tears' Spectator
Product Description
Long-time word-detective and bestselling author of "Port Out" and "Starboard Home", Michael Quinion brings us the answers to nearly two hundred of the most intriguing questions he's been asked about language over the years. Sent to him by enquiring readers from all around the globe, Michael's answers about the meanings and histories behind the quirky phrases, slang and language that we all use are set to delight, amuse and enlighten even the most hardened word-obsessive. Did you know that 'Blighty' comes from an ancient Arabic word? Or that Liberace cried his way to the bank so many times people think he came up with the phrase? That 'cloud nine' started out as 'cloud seven' in the speakeasies of '30s America? And that the first person to have their thunder stolen was a dismal playwright from Drury Lane? Michael Quinion's "Why is Q Always Followed By U?" is full of surprising discoveries, entertaining quotations and memorable information. There are plenty of colourful stories out there, but Michael Quinion will help you discover the truth that lies behind the cock-and-bull stories and make sure you're always linguistically on the ball.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
5.0 out of 5 stars (1 customer review)
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great bedside read, Aug 7 2009
By J. Lomax - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Why Is Q Always Followed By U? (Hardcover)
I savor a few articles from this book every night. I love how he chooses up-to-date examples as well as original examples from the obscure to the sublime. This book feeds and sharpens curiousity and is an instant favorite.
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