Aimed at both word-puzzle enthusiasts and language students, this is a companion to "Dictionary of Idioms" and "Dictionary of Proverbs", and is by the same authors. It contains over 500 entries on common words ("boycott", "tawdry", "candidate"), their origins and their histories, and many other words are detailed in cross-references. In some instances the development of the word is illustrated with tree-diagrams showing its progress - for example, from Greek to Latin to Old French to English. The diagrams also highlight those offshoots which developed into other, often seemingly unconnected words. Throughout the book there are mini-essays on general topics, including sources, derivations and common themes such as words for plants, or for cloth.

Dictionary of Word Origins

Reference

Flavell, Linda

Flavell, Roger

Dictionaries & Thesauruses

Diane Pub Co.

In Dictionary of Proverbs and their Origins Linda and Roger Flavell trace the origins and histories of over 400 proverbs, detailing their meaning and usage. Changes of meaning and usage that have affected the life of each proverb are also cited. Quotations drawn from classic and popular literature help to illustrate a proverb's specific meaning or to clarify a change in meaning over time. Variant expressions of the proverb, if any, are included. Interspersed with the proverbs themselves are short essays and vignettes on topics related to matters proverbial, including types of proverbs, misquoted proverbs, proverbs that contradict each other, the relationship between graffiti and proverbs, geographical proverbs, and the slippery psychology of the proverb. While the proverbs themselves are arranged alphabetically by theme or main word, there is a helpful index that references all the major words of each proverb.

Dictionary of Proverbs and Their Origins

Literature & Fiction

History & Criticism

Hippocrene Books

The English language contains a great store of idioms that can be used in creative and forceful ways and throughout history, events great and small have left their mark on the way we speak. Columbus's discovery of America introduced to Europe new food stuffs such as chilli and chocolate-and the words that described them. The Dictionary Box set links hundreds of words with the historical upheavals and minor social changes which gave them life, and gives explanation and meaning to the thousands of idioms we use in everyday conversations and which seem to be completely illogical. And if you have ever noticed that 'out of sight, out of mind' and 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' can't both be true, this box set will solve your perplexity, tracing the origins of over 400 of these invaluable pieces of wisdom. The result is essential reading for anyone who delights in words.

Dictionary Box Set

Kyle Books

p.The English language contains a great store of idioms that can be used in creative and forceful ways. Dictionary of Idioms examines over 400 such phrases, tracing each one's source and history through a rich supply of examples. New entries in the revised edition include 'play fast and loose' (from a 16th-century fairground game), 'head over heels' (a totally illogical variation on the more sensible 'heels over head') and 'knee-high to a grasshopper' (which won out over knee-high to a mosquito and knee-high to a toad). Mini-essays scattered through the book expand on such broader themes as What is an idiom? National Rivalries and The Old Curiosity Shop of Linguistics. Linda and Roger Flavell combine scholarly accuracy with an unfailing understanding of the snippets of information that intrigue the browser.

Dictionary of Idioms and Their Origins

The main character is Colonel Crunch, a kindly ex-military man, who, with his friends, gets up to various adventures. One of the things that they like to do is to make up inventions and see if they work! 
Sometimes they do... and sometimes they don't, but nobody gets hurt in the process!

The Adventures of Colonel Crunch and Friends

Children's Books

Action & Adventure

Nightingale Books

Dictionary Of Proverbs: And Their Origins

Book by Flavell, Linda, Flavell, Roger

Dictionary of Proverbs: And Their Origins

Politics & Social Sciences

Social Sciences

TRAFALGAR SQUARE +

Examining the origins of everyday idioms and expressions, such as "a storm in a teacup" and "flavour of the month", this book explains their meanings and gives examples of their use. Interspersed with the individual entries are mini-essays on recurring themes - familiar phrases with nautical origins, expressions based on the macabre and on the peculiarly British view of foreigners. (Why do we have Dutch uncles and Dutch treats, but take French leave?) For the serious student, there are dates of first use and guidance on correct or current usage, while the browser and lover of words is offered a source of fascination and enjoyment. The authors' previous books include "Current English Usage".

Foreign Language Study & Reference

The proverbs selected for this reference book, intended for anyone who delights in and studies words, all have a tale to tell. Etymologies go back to the earliest origins, though there are often conflicting accounts of how an expression came into being, and changes of meaning or usage are recorded: "Tread on a worm and it will turn" probably originated in the days when "worm" also meant "viper"; "Good wine needs no bush" is a reference to the lax interpretation of licensing laws common during 19th-century village fairs. The authors' other books include "Current English Usage" and "Dictionary of Idioms".

After reaching America, Columbus introduced Europe to new foodstuffs such as chilli and chocolate, and the words that described them. Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed the first "jubilee" in 1300, and Francis Bacon published the first "essay" in 1597. The Normans gave us the "feudal system" and "curfews," while the flourishing of Dutch art in the 17th century introduced "easels," "etchings," and "landscapes." Thus, throughout history, events great and small have left their mark on the way we speak. Starting from 1066 and working through to the present-day boom in techno-speak, this book links hundreds of words with the historical upheavals and minor social changes which gave them life.

Chronology of Words & Phrases: A Thousand Years in the History of English

Words, Language & Grammar

KYLE CATHIE LTD.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Flavell, Roger. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Flavell, Roger

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Flavell, Roger. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Dictionary of Word Origins

Dictionary of Proverbs and Their Origins

Dictionary Box Set

Dictionary of Idioms and Their Origins

The Adventures of Colonel Crunch and Friends

Dictionary of Proverbs: And Their Origins

Dictionary of Idioms and Their Origins

Dictionary of Proverbs: And Their Origins

Dictionary of Word Origins

Chronology of Words & Phrases: A Thousand Years in the History of English