Newly updated to incorporate recent additions to the English language,
the Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins provides a fascinating
exploration of the origins and development of over 3,000 words in the
English language. Drawing on Oxford's unrivalled dictionary research
programme and language monitoring it brings to light the intriguing and
often unusual stories of some of our most used words and phrases.
The A-Z entries include the first known use of the term along with
examples, related lexes, and expressions which uncover the etymological
composition of each word. Also featured are 22 special panels that give
overviews of broad topic areas, 5 of which are completely new and that
variously cover words from Oceania, word blends, eponyms, and acronyms.
New findings in the OED since the previous edition have also been
added, including emoji, mansplain, meeple, meme, and
spam.
An absorbing resource for language students and enthusiasts, but also an
intriguing read for any person interested in the development of the
English language, and of language development in general. It also
includes an extended introduction on the history of the English
language.