Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins (Hardcover)

by William Morris (Author)

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 (April 27, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006015862X
• ISBN-13: 978-1594862861
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #394,769 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 62 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

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:

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

By A Customer

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.

22 of 22 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 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.