by Adrian Room (Author)
Over 5000 entries, from a priori to Zeitgeist Covers everyday expressions, specialist terms and tags Gives clear definitions and easy-to-use pronunciation guide Includes details of language and date of origin Highlights additional points of historical and etymological interest
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 416
Edition: First Edition
Publisher: Orion
Published: 13 Jul 2000
ISBN 10: 0304350087
ISBN 13: 9780304350087
Book Overview: The English language is packed with words and phrases gleaned from other tongues, both ancient and modern. Cassell's Foreign Words and Phrases provides a fascinating and comprehensive guide to these imports. It goes far beyond the partial coverage of conventional dictionaries, reviewing in detail a vast range of everyday vocabulary (duvet, pro forma, guerrilla), specialist terms (chiaroscuro, Verfremdungseffekt, prima facie), colloquial expressions (nous, pukka, schmooze) and famous tags and mottos (in vino veritas, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad). Each entry has a clear definition, details of language and date of origin, and a simple guide to pronunciation. Where appropriate, the original spelling and literal meaning are also listed and notes give further etymological and historical details. Succinctly and informatively written, this is an essential reference volume for anyone whose business is words.