Description

Book Synopsis
The Blackout Crew have a song with the title ''Put a donk on it'' - but what is a ''donk''? Which ending came first: ''-ise'' or ''-ize''? Where does the idea of a ''white elephant'' come from? Who decides on the collective noun for something? And what is it that made the crocodile cry?Sparkling with insight and linguistic curiosity, this delightful compendium answers 101 of the most intriguing questions about the English language, from word origins and spelling to grammar and usage. Irresistible to anyone with an interest in the words around them.Supported by Oxford''s celebrated dictionary research programme, Susie Dent tackles these and many other fascinating questions in this wonderfully accessible and endlessly entertaining exploration of the English language.

Trade Review
Brilliantly fascinating and entertaining. * Cotswold Life *

What Made the Crocodile Cry

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A Paperback / softback by Susie Dent

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    View other formats and editions of What Made the Crocodile Cry by Susie Dent

    Publisher: Oxford University Press
    Publication Date: 22/10/2009
    ISBN13: 9780199574155, 978-0199574155
    ISBN10: 0199574154
    Also in:
    Language: history and general works

    Description

    Book Synopsis
    The Blackout Crew have a song with the title ''Put a donk on it'' - but what is a ''donk''? Which ending came first: ''-ise'' or ''-ize''? Where does the idea of a ''white elephant'' come from? Who decides on the collective noun for something? And what is it that made the crocodile cry?Sparkling with insight and linguistic curiosity, this delightful compendium answers 101 of the most intriguing questions about the English language, from word origins and spelling to grammar and usage. Irresistible to anyone with an interest in the words around them.Supported by Oxford''s celebrated dictionary research programme, Susie Dent tackles these and many other fascinating questions in this wonderfully accessible and endlessly entertaining exploration of the English language.

    Trade Review
    Brilliantly fascinating and entertaining. * Cotswold Life *

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