Reference | Words, Language & Grammar

What Made The Crocodile Cry?

by Susie Dent

2020-08-23 10:02:50

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Sparkling with insight and linguistic curiosity, this delightful compendium answers 101 of the most intriguing questions about the English language, from word origins and spelling to grammar and usage. Irresistible to anyone with an interest in the w... Read more
Sparkling with insight and linguistic curiosity, this delightful compendium answers 101 of the most intriguing questions about the English language, from word origins and spelling to grammar and usage. Irresistible to anyone with an interest in the words around them.The Blackout Crew have a song with the title ''Put a donk on it'' - but what is a ''donk''? Which ending came first: ''-ise'' or ''-ize''? Where does the idea of a ''white elephant'' come from? Who decides on the collective noun for something? Why is the word ''hysterical'' only really applied to women? Whatdid the word ''tragedy'' mean originally? And what is it that made the crocodile cry?Supported by Oxford''s celebrated dictionary research programme, Susie Dent tackles these and many other fascinating questions in this wonderfully accessible and endlessly entertaining exploration of the English language. Less

Book Details

File size7.72 X 5.08 X 0.03 in
Print pages176
PublisherOxford University Press
Publication date October 22, 2009
Languageeng
ISBN9780191650604
autor-image
Susie Dent
Author
Susie Dent is a writer and broadcaster, best known for being the regular face of Dictionary Corner on Channel 4 TV's Countdown. Her books include The Language Report (2003-2007) and Words of the Year ...

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