John Ayto Orden de los libros

This dictionary defines a myriad of phrases and sayings that are used daily in the English language. It contains more than 10,000 idioms, including figurative expressions, similes, sayings, and proverbs, and features usage examples and information on origins for many of them.

<b>Uncover the hidden and often surprising connection between words.</b> Written in a clear and informative style, the more than 8,000 articles reveal the origins of and links between some of the most common English-language words. What is the link between map and apron, acrobat and oxygen, zeal and jealousy, flour and pollen, secret and crime? Did you know that crimson originally comes from the name of tiny scale insects, the kermes, from whose dried bodies a red dyestuff is made? That Yankee began as a nickname for Dutchmen? That omelette evolved from amulette, “a thin sheet of metal,” and is a not-too-distant cousin of the word laminate? That jeans find their antecedent in jean fustian, meaning “a cotton fabric from Genoa”? They also contain an extensive selection of words whose life histories are intrinsically fascinating or instructive. This dictionary shows how modern English has developed from its Indo-European roots and how the various influences on the language—from migration and invasion to exploration, trade, technology, and scholarship—have intermingled. It is an invaluable addition to any English or linguistics library.

The Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms offers a fresh look at the idiomatic phrases and sayings that make English the rich language that it is. The third edition contains entries for over 6,000 idioms, including 700 entirely new entries, based on Oxford's language monitoring programs and thethird edition of the Oxford English Dictionary . These include a range of idioms such as "the elephant in the corner," "go figure," "step up to the plate," "a walk in the park," and "win ugly." Many entries include more detailed background on the idiom in question. For example, did you know that'taken aback' was adopted from nautical terminology that described a ship unable to move forward because of a strong headwind pressing its sails back against the mast?The book lists national variants, so we learn that while in America they say "all over the map," in Britain they say "all over the shop." This edition also features a greatly increased number of cross-references, making it ideal for quick reference. Anyone interested in the colorful side of theEnglish language will have hours of fun browsing this fascinating and informative volume.

The volume takes a fresh look at the idiomatic phrases and sayings that make English the rich and intriguing language that it is. This major new edition contains entries for over 6000 idioms, including 700 entirely new entries, based on Oxford's language monitoring and the ongoing third edition ofthe Oxford English Dictionary

Since its first publication in 1870, Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable has become one of the world's best-loved and most-browsed-through books. Where else can one find the meanings of - and the stories behind - so many terms and phrases drawn from mythology, literature, history, folk customs, pop culture, philosophy, science, magic, and superstitions? From expressions as common as sour grapes to allusions such as Pyrrhic victory, Dr. Brewer and his editorial successors both teach and delight the reader, offering unusual, out-of-the-way, and fascinating information on thousands of familiar - and unfamiliar - phrases. Completely revised, updated, and expanded, this fifteenth edition contains hundreds of new entries, improved etymologies, and a reorganized format that make Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable even more of a delight than ever.

All your questions answered on spelling, grammar, and usage When is it correct to use me instead of I? Should its have an apostrophe? Should you use affect or effect? Looking for help? Good English! tells you how to get it right. - confused and misused words - spelling - usage - pronunciation - grammar - punctuation - British and American English

A lively, authoritative, and up-to-date look at the world of rhyming slang, from its origins in London's 19th-century underworld to the buzzwords of 21st-century popney. Arranged by topic, including Crime, Food and Drink, Illness, Money, Sex, and Sport, this highly readable collection is at once an informative source to the story behind some of our most lively expressions and a browser's delight.

In Twentieth Century Words, lexicographer John Ayto takes us on an exhilarating tour of our century, charting it decade by decade by way of the words we've coined to mark our passage through time. Ayto looks at some 5,000 words and meanings, from "flapper" to "flower power" to "road rage." We learn the birth dates of words such as "movie" (1910s), "barbecue" (1930s), Beatlemania (1960s), and "foodie" (1980s). Ayto also treats us to many surprises as well. Did you know, for instance, that "atomic energy" was coined in the 1900s, "rocket ship" in the 1920s, "hologram" in the '40s, and "modem" in the '50s? And in addition to the main alphabetic sequence of entries, the book also offers boxed features on topics of special interest, such as words arising from World War II ("bazooka," "jeep," "bikini"). With a thoughtful essay to introduce each decade, and thousands of evocative words and phrases, Twentieth Century Words will enthrall all word lovers as it opens a unique window on the last one hundred years.

The ideal reference for those interested in the more quirky and unofficial words used in English. Each area of life and each aspect of the world that generates slang is explored in turn. Including surprisingly old words such as booze and guzzle as well as the most up-to-date words like humongous and lunchbox, this fascinating book is sure to provide a stonking good read for all.

An alphabetically arranged reference tool to answer questions about confused and misused words, spelling, usage, pronunciation, grammar, puncuation and British and American English