Why You Say It : The Fascinating Stories Behind Over 600 Everyday Words and Phrases (original 1992; edition 1992)

by Webb Garrison

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395	3	64,076	(3.4)	7
The Fascinating stories behind over 600 everyday words and phrases such as... Shindig - A veteran square dance caller will tell you that bruised shins result from the swigging feet of beginning dancers. A dance that leaves telltale marks on the lower legs of participants is a "shindig," Alibi - The word is taken straight from Latin and means "elsewhere." The perfect "alibi" is to prove one was "elsewhere" when the deed was done. And many more...… (more)

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Member:	perlle
Title:	Why You Say It : The Fascinating Stories Behind Over 600 Everyday Words and Phrases
Authors:	Webb Garrison
Info:	Rutledge Hill Press (1992), Paperback
Collections:	Your library, Reference
Rating:
Tags:	reference, dictionary, word history, hardcover

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Why You Say It by Webb B. Garrison (1992)

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Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase & Fable by E. Cobham Brewer (missmaddie)

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I learned so much from this. Word histories fascinate me. (

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Steven_Burgauer | Nov 15, 2016 |

A very long glossary of 600 mostly out-dated words and phrases. It is appropriate that the cover is decorated with gay (happy, not homosexual) nineties (1890s not 1990s) silhouettes. Some of these (moron, shindig, bootlick, bulldozer, fly off the handle) have somewhat interesting origins. Some (boner, flash in the pan, lay an egg) are certainly obsolete. Perhaps this is a good compliment to something like the Urban Dictionary. (

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Sandydog1 | Sep 7, 2013 |

I learned so much from this book. It's informative, easy to read, and even funny at times! Great if you're just picking something up to pass the time. I'll admit I still haven't read the entire thing...it's a bit long. Still worth it. (

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missmaddie | Oct 25, 2008 |

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1992

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The Fascinating stories behind over 600 everyday words and phrases such as... Shindig - A veteran square dance caller will tell you that bruised shins result from the swigging feet of beginning dancers. A dance that leaves telltale marks on the lower legs of participants is a "shindig," Alibi - The word is taken straight from Latin and means "elsewhere." The perfect "alibi" is to prove one was "elsewhere" when the deed was done. And many more...

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