Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins [Hardcover]

William Morris (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 006015862X | ISBN-13: 978-0060158620 | Publication Date: May 17, 1988 | Edition: 2 Sub

The first Edition of the Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins detailed the fascinating and little known stories behind thousands of words and phrases that we use every day.In this new edition, William and Mary Morris update and expand their classic work to keep pace with our ever changing language.

New entries include:

• New trends--crack, glitch, greenmail, Harrier attack airplanes

• Foreign terms--falafel, geisha, jihad, paparazzi

• People--batman, dead end kid, Dutch uncle, hatchet man, Young Turks

• Given names--Chester, Edith, Jennifer and others

• Food--Adam and Eve on a raft, alligator pear, grapefruit, Harriet Lane

• Sports--box score, cheese champions, full court press

• and many more

Throughout the Morris's present the histories of intriguing expressions in an eminently entertaining and readable fashion.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Anyone interested in the English language will be fascinated by -- and then obsessed with -- this dictionary that reads like an erudite gossip column for the city of words.

Review

The William Morrises bring an extensive knowledge of literature and linguistics and a perceptive sense of humor to their task. They reveal their expertise in informal, often witty, always piquant definitions of words that have crept into general usage via circuitous routes. In addition to being an indispensable reference volume, this book could well be picked up at random and read with interest and delight. -- Publisher's Weekly

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 688 pages
• Publisher: Collins Reference; 2 Sub edition (May 17, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006015862X
• ISBN-13: 978-0060158620
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #332,768 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As close to "The Definitive Reference" as you'll find, August 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins (Hardcover)

Though I own probably a dozen books on origins of words and phrases, this is usually the first I turn to, and often the last. If I had to discard all but one, there is no question I would choose this one. Not only only is the sheer quantity of definitions impressive, but so is the scholarship that backs up the entries. When an authoritative etymology is not available, or there are conflicting theories, the authors are up front and tell you so. Refusing to just pass on an oft-repeated tale, the authors know enough to provide citations to support or disprove a theory of word or phrase origin. Yet not once are they dry and pedantic; they're good story-tellers as well.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable book, but not true dictionary, July 16, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins (Hardcover)

This book is an enjoyable read, with some phrases I have not found in other work phrase books (and I have about six such type books.) However, I think the title of the book has given this book and average rating among reviewers. Those expecting a comprehensive amount of word/phrase origins will be disappointed, but no fault of theirs, the book's title is misleading. The book's title should be something like "Interesting Word and Phrase Origins". It's also a little high-priced for what you get new, so definately get a used version.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm fascinated with this book.., November 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins (Hardcover)

This is one of the "funnest books" that I own. I keep it in the bathroom and, hence, refer to it daily. It provides a seemingly endless source of interesting facts and information, tracing the roots of words and phrases that you've been using all your life. Wonder where canape'/hors d'oeuvre or diggs/diggings or dingbat came from? How about snafu, foobar or oompah? What about stuff like "cuttin off your nose to spite your face," so you can "keep up with the Joneses?" If you take to this book like I have, you'll make it a present to your friends, as I have.