Cassell's Foreign Words and Phrases

Cassell's Foreign Words and Phrases

by Adrian Room (Author)

Synopsis

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

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More Information

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.

Author Bio
Adrian Room is the author of over 30 popular reference books, mainly on the origins of words. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a member of the English Place-Name Society and American Name Society. His work for Cassell includes the Cassell Dictionary of First Names, The Cassell Dictionary of Word Histories and he is currently editor of Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable and other titles in the Brewer's series.