Dictionary of Word Origins

Words are the building blocks of language, but their derivations are often stories in themselves. Have you ever wondered why we wear perfume, read magazines, vote for candidates, and speak in jargon?

With entries from accolade to zoo, and including such disparate items as blackmail, fiasco, and rigmarole, this dictionary explains the origins and development of 300 commonly used words.

In selecting words for inclusion, Linda and Roger Flavell have chosen those with a story to tell. The result is an enlightening guide to the richness and diversity of the English language, boasting both scholarly accuracy and much to delight the curious browser.