Why Do We Say It? The Stories Behind the Words, Expressions, and Cliches We Use

by Chartwell Books (Editor)

Why Do We Say It? uncovers the roots of the English language and connects them to their intriguing origins. From idioms to cliches, this comprehensive book shows you the way around the English language
 
The intriguing origins of hundreds of unusual words and expressions are here for your perusal, handily organized in an alphabetical format. Useful for reference or just for browsing, Why Do We Say It? is also a great way to expand your vocabulary and have fun while doing it.
 
This edition makes a wonderful gift for readers, writers, scholars, and students. Uncover the mysteries of the modern English language and share the facts and trivia with your family and friends.


 

Genres: Nonfiction

286 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

Chartwell Books is dedicated to creating beautifully designed illustrated books for everyone. Aspirational yet accessible, each book conveys a high perceived value. We bring style and a fresh voice to every book we publish, presenting on-trend and universal titles in categories as diverse as spirituality, health and wellness, history, military, reference, cooking, lifestyle, and inspirational. Our books are highly giftable as well as perfect for any self-purchase.

Chartwell has created an extensive range of guided writing-prompt journals, covering everything from gratitude and prayers to your life story and the story of your family members to finding the inner you and sharing your anxieties. Beautifully designed, each journal is an exceptional value.

In addition to our wide array of books, Chartwell has an ever-growing book-plus program offering highly giftable kits and sets for every occasion, including crafts and art, tarot and the spiritual world, and cooking. With unique books paired with complementary added-value items, these all-encompassing, high-production-value sets are the consummate gift.

Reviews

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have played with this one a bit at a time as you don't really sit down and just read it in one sitting. It is fun, informative, and quite British. For a wordie such as myself, it is a fun reference to have around and taking the quizzes was a kick in the pants!

[Romy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is kind of a dictionary for English expressions and idioms, mostly. It does have the etymology of some words, but it doesn't go into a great deal of depth for any of these things. It was interesting, but not highly useful as a good 60% or more of the book was dedicated to phrases that were outdated - no one really says them any more, and I doubt many people said them in the late 1990s when this was published.

Still, interesting to those that are fascinated by etymology, just don't expect it to uncover anything but the briefest summary on the origination of these words and phrases.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A hybrid dictionary/encyclopedia; an old-school British version of the urban dictionary. Some of the more UK-centric terms might be unknown to North American audiences, but most of the entries are informative, and explained easily and concisely. A book to dip in and out of, as opposed to reading cover-to-cover.

[Erin Panjer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly english phrases, many not in use here in North America.
There are many that are very interesting though, and there will definitely be phrases you've said before or heard that you wouldn't know the background on. It's curious how far words can carry some particular or unlikely common day to day experience.