The Facts on File Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins (Writers Reference) [Hardcover]

Robert Hendrickson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2008 | Series: Writers Reference

More than 15,000 entriesover 2,000 of which are new to this editionprovide information and anecdotes on the origin and development of a wide range of words and phrases, including:

Fellini named the hyperactive photographer in La Dolce Vita Signor Paparazzo, after the Italian slang for mosquito, which lead to the popularity of the term, paparazzi.

Argentina takes its name from the Latin argentum meaning silver. Legend says that llamas grazing on Mount Posi in 1545 uprooted some shrubbery, beneath which was a vein of silver ore.

Conjurer's assistants in the 17th century would eat toads so the magicians could demonstrate their miraculous healing powers. The assistants came to be known as "toad eaters," which became our modern insult, "toady."

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up—This volume features more than 15,000 quirky words and expressions (2500 of them added since the 2004 edition) from the English/American vernacular. The text, arranged alphabetically, covers a broad range of slang terms, acronyms, coined phrases, literary references, and other dialectical gems. Written in an often-humorous tone, the brief entries consist of etymology and examples of usage culled from sources such as Shakespearean plays, films, or famous declarations. Terms range from classical nicknames (Heraclitus's "The Weeping Philosopher") to pop-culture references (the Seinfeld-ism "man hands"). Foreign expressions such as the British-born "do the needful" and the timely Iraqi "I throw a shoe at you!" are explained. Cross-references are provided, and the index includes listings of phrases and the subjects who uttered them. As the preface states, "No word or phrase has been eliminated because it might offend someone's sensibilities." Hendrickson admits that some origins presented are mere theories. Moreover, the lack of a pronunciation guide and the volume's anecdotal approach undermine its academic value. Still, the author provides an entertaining, informative look at the diversity of influences on the English language. Readers will find plenty to pique their interest in this strong secondary source.—Christina Connolly, Clark University, Worcester, MA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Library Journal

This is a collection of stories, speculative though entertaining, behind 7500 English words and phrases, from A & P through babushka, Calvinism, Davy Crockett, eggs Benedict, fifty-four forty or fight, German measles, and many more to ZZZ. The stories are fascinating, but the book is marred by many misspellings, particularly in the quotations from German. Still, it will appeal to word buffs and hence should be of interest to public libraries. Scholars will probably continue to rely on the OED and other standard reference works. Catherine von Schon, SUNY at Stony Brook
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 948 pages
• Publisher: Facts on File; 4 edition (October 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816069662
• ISBN-13: 978-0816069668
• Product Dimensions: 2 x 8.6 x 10.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #802,802 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #73 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Science Fiction & Fantasy

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fine reference. September 14, 1997

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

Whether you are a died-in-the-wool word nut, or
just a reader intrigued by a colorful expression,
this is a work of endless fascination

Over 9,000 words and phrases are covered, from A to
Zzz, of slang, proverbs, animal and plant names,
nicknames of people, places, and things, historical
and political expressions, foreign-language terms,
literary allusions, and perhaps best of all, many
references to Classical figures and usages of our
common Western heritage.

Hendrickson regards this as a work-in-progress, and
indeed, there are omissions (smarmy, paddy wagon,
all hat and no cattle), and errors. (There certainly
was a marijuana variety called Acapulco Gold, "antsy"
was in use by the early 1960's, and this reviewer
can demonstrate conclusively that armadillos can
survive nicely north of Texas.) These are quibbles,
however, and do not detract seriously from the merit
and sheer usefulness of Hendrickson's work.

Recommended for the permanent bookshelf of lovers
of the language and students of the culture.

(The numerical rating above is a default setting
within Amazon's format. This reviewer does not
employ numerical ratings.)

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book of reference and enjoyment May 2, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

One of the only reference books that can be read from cover to cover for pure reading pleasure. A fine read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Intrigue! July 24, 2007

By Audrey L. Sargeant

Format:Paperback

The intrigue arises because I cannot pick up this book without getting caught up in something on every page. It's truly fascinating and I'm reading about things that I never even knew I was interested in!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Facts on File Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins (Facts on File Writer's Library) March 21, 2007

By Stanley J. Hiserman

Format:Paperback

I have found his book to be very entertaining and informative. So much so thatI've given it three times as gifts to friends.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Not a good reference tool March 31, 2008

By Heath

Format:Paperback

This book is interesting if you just want to read through and learn some interesting facts about word origins. It's not been a good resource for me for looking up meanings.

I've tried to use it as I would use a dictionary. When I hear a phrase, I often wonder what it means. Just this morning I wanted to look up "anchor to the wind". I was pretty sure I wouldn't find it. I didn't. I did learn that the "ch" in the middle of the word anchor is confusing, and that it was added in error. That's interesting to know, but not helpful for learning the meaning of a phrase I've heard used.

I can't remember previous examples that I've looked up, but my impression is that most time that I try to look something up, I can't find it. I don't know of a better book to recommend as a reference, but I do know that I've been disappointed with this book for that purpose.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great information May 30, 2013

By Wendy M. Flohr

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I wanted this book since I saw it at Borders a couple years ago. When Borders was going out-of-business I kept waiting for this book to get lower in price and on the day I went to purchase it, it was gone. Bummer. Then I found it on Amazon at an excellent price. I love it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone Needs this Book! April 23, 2013

By Gail A. Panatier

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is an excellent book. I originally purchased it for home use - you can never know enough - then one for a friend's birthday and the most recent one for use in the Marketing Division office that reports to me.

2.0 out of 5 stars Wasn't what I was looking for January 28, 2013

By Homer J. Hall

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was trying to find an encyclopedia of interesting phrases like, "Fell by the way side." This book doesn't have most of that kind of phrases and includes unknown or rarely used stuff that did not interest me.