Customer Reviews

History of Wine Words: An Intoxicating Dictionary of Etymology and Word Histories of Wine, Vine, and Grape from the Vineyard, Glass, and Bottle

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What a fascinating romp through the English language on the premise of examining words about wine. I loved Charles Hodgson's audiobook "Global Wording," and this new book didn't disappoint me.

Pick up a copy and learn how the word "scuttlebutt" is related to wine, and why the word "binge" arose to explain overdrinking before it was applied to other things such as overeating. Those are just a few of the fascinating tidbits you'll gobble up. (Or should I say "drink in"?)

History of Wine Words is a great book for wine and word lovers. Charles Hodgson has collected wine related words with interesting history. Next time you have some of your favorite varietal of wine, you will have a little bit of word origin to share with others.

Charles Hodgson's History of Wine Words: An Intoxicating Dictionary of Etymology and Word Histories from the Vineyard, Glass and Bottle is a unique type of wine book. His focus is not on wine or wineries but on the origins of words related to wine.

History of Words has three basic categories including locations/regions, grape varietals and winemaking. While I have not read the book from page to page, I have enjoyed browsing a large selection of the words. It is interesting that many of the words are so commonplace today that one doesn't think about the development of the word. History of Wine Words does not cover every associated wine word. Hodgson has done his best to select words that he believes are of interest to people. Therefore while you find "maceration," you won't find "riddling."

The only word I discovered that I was disappointed in was "toast." Hodgson refers to only one connotation of the word "toast" - the offering of a toast to someone. Nowhere in the discussion does he mention barrel "toast."

With so many wine books on the market, History of Wine Words, makes an unusual addition to your collection. This book may appeal to the etymologist and wine lover. It is also a good conversation starter.

Cheers! Kathy

Length:: 7:11 Mins

An interview with the author of HISTORY OF WINE WORDS