Description

Book Synopsis

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

Interesting Stories about Curious Words

    Product form

    £12.34

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £12.99 – you save £0.65 (5%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Thu 18 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback by Susie Dent

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Interesting Stories about Curious Words by Susie Dent

      Publisher: John Murray Press
      Publication Date: 10/10/2024
      ISBN13: 9781399811682, 978-1399811682
      ISBN10: 1399811681
      Also in:
      Non Fiction Dictionaries, Reference & Language Language: reference and general

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      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

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account