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Interesting Stories about Curious Words

On sale

10th October 2024

Price: £12.99

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Selected: Paperback / ISBN-13: 9781399811682

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Join Susie Dent, lexicographer extraordinaire and Queen of Countdown‘s Dictionary Corner, on a curious and exceedingly interesting adventure through all the very best RED HERRINGS, COCK AND BULL STORIES and NINE-DAY WONDERS in the English language.

Who was SWEET FANNY ADAMS?


What’s the dramatic true story behind STEALING THUNDER?


Why is it CHANCING YOUR ARM when you take a risk?


What do bears have to do with LICKING INTO SHAPE?


Or robbers with PULLING SOMEONE’S LEG?


Why are CIRCLES VICIOUS?


And, what’s so bad about a WHITE ELEPHANT?


‘Nobody on earth knows more about the English language than Susie Dent’ Gyles Brandreth

Reviews

Pam Ayres
Susie Dent is a one-off. She breathes life and fun into words and language
Richard Osman
Susie Dent is a national treasure
Irish Sunday Business Post
With this book, readers won't be lost for words: we'll be happily lost within them