The Unexpected Evolution of Language

Discover the Surprising Etymology of Everyday Words

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Reference, Almanacs & Trivia, Word Lists, History, Americas, United States
Cover of the book The Unexpected Evolution of Language by Justin Cord Hayes, Adams Media
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Author: Justin Cord Hayes ISBN: 9781440542794
Publisher: Adams Media Publication: September 18, 2012
Imprint: Adams Media Language: English
Author: Justin Cord Hayes
ISBN: 9781440542794
Publisher: Adams Media
Publication: September 18, 2012
Imprint: Adams Media
Language: English

This book is awesome awful!

Did you know that "awful" first originated as a compliment? How about the fact that it was perfectly fine for someone to defecate in their living room? Or that at one time a bully was actually a sweetheart?

You may think that these things sound outlandish, but hundreds of years ago, the words "awful," "defecate," and "bully" meant something entirely different than what we know today. The Unexpected Evolution of Language reveals the origins of 208 everyday terms and the interesting stories behind their shift in meaning.
Arranged in alphabetical order, you will enjoy uncovering the backstories to terms like:

  • Awful - worthy of respect or fear; inspiring awe
  • Bimbo - slang for a stupid, inconsequential man
  • Defecate - to purify; cleanse
  • Invest - to clothe; to dress
  • Nice - foolish; stupid
  • Relay - hunting term meaning fresh pack of hounds

From "aftermath" and "sophisticated" to "empty" and "prestige," you will aboslutely love seeing just what kind of damage time has done to the English language.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book is awesome awful!

Did you know that "awful" first originated as a compliment? How about the fact that it was perfectly fine for someone to defecate in their living room? Or that at one time a bully was actually a sweetheart?

You may think that these things sound outlandish, but hundreds of years ago, the words "awful," "defecate," and "bully" meant something entirely different than what we know today. The Unexpected Evolution of Language reveals the origins of 208 everyday terms and the interesting stories behind their shift in meaning.
Arranged in alphabetical order, you will enjoy uncovering the backstories to terms like:

From "aftermath" and "sophisticated" to "empty" and "prestige," you will aboslutely love seeing just what kind of damage time has done to the English language.

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