Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Since the first settlement at Jamestown, Americans have been busy inventing new words and phrases for the English language. Some of them, like "beauty parlor, " are prosaic, while others, like "quickie, " hint at the scandalous. This book salutes a wide range of these "Americanisms, " with 125 examples. Each entry includes a definition, a brief etymology, and an example of the word in context. Each also comes with a literal or interpretive archival photograph that acts as comic counterpoint. Words include "lowbrow, " "cheapskate, " "electrocute, " "hippy, " and "ghostwriter." From "Afro" to "zipper, " this intriguing and witty gift book is sure to delight and divert word lovers everywhere.
Synopsis
From "Afro" to "zipper, " this handy illustrated gift book offers a witty survey of words coined in America. 120 photos.