Description
Book SynopsisOne of the most distinctive characteristics of English is the number of words and phrases it has borrowed - and continues to borrow - from other languages, originally and most notably from Latin and French but now also from every corner of the globe. From the frequently used veranda and futon to the less familiar quinquennium and catenaccio, from the longstanding in vino veritas and vade mecum to the recent doosra and galactico, this highly informative reference book provides a revealing record of that remarkable story. With 6,000 detailed entries from aa to zut, this dictionary is the authoritative guide to foreign words and phrases used in contemporary British and American English. Drawn from over 40 languages, entries provide details of the history of each word or phrase, including language of origin, spelling variants, pronunciation, and its sense and use in English. Information is given on specific items of interest, such as the use of daemon in Philip Pullman''s His Dark Material
Trade ReviewReview from previous edition frightfully good value. Clarifies those little words and letters that so often puzzle * Express *
a delight to peruse * Toby Lichtig, Times Literary Supplement *
Table of ContentsPREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION; PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION; PRONUNCIATION GUIDE; OXFORD DICTIONARY OF FOREIGN WORDS AND PHRASES; APPENDIX
