Oxford School Dictionary Of Word Origins

This paperback edition of Oxford School Dictionary of Word Origins explores where everyday words come from, offering an engaging look at the language people use day to day. Designed as a dictionary and language reference tool, it combines clear language support with word histories intended to be both informative and humorous.

Written by John Ayto, it includes funny and absorbing accounts of word origins alongside feature entries on especially curious words, including those described as “yucky” and “mind-boggling”. A thematic section brings together vocabulary from specific areas such as food, fashion and dinosaur names, as well as invented and onomatopoeic words, with further topics also included.

Key details

• Paperback edition
• Dictionary of word origins and language reference tool
• By John Ayto
• Includes feature entries on especially curious words
• Contains a thematic section covering areas including food, fashion and dinosaur names
• Includes invented and onomatopoeic words

Synopsis

Oxford School Dictionary of Word Origins provides insight into the origins of everyday language through humorous and informative word histories. Alongside additional language support, it features entries on particularly unusual words and a thematic section that groups words from areas such as food, fashion and dinosaur names, plus invented and onomatopoeic words.