Interesting Stories about Curious Words

From Stealing Thunder to Red Herrings

Susie Dent author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:John Murray Press

Published:28th Sep '23

Should be back in stock very soon

Interesting Stories about Curious Words cover

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

Susie Dent is a one-off. She breathes life and fun into words and language * Pam Ayres *
Susie Dent is a national treasure * Richard Osman *
With this book, readers won't be lost for words: we'll be happily lost within them * Irish Sunday Business Post *

ISBN: 9781399811675

Dimensions: 222mm x 140mm x 38mm

Weight: 540g

432 pages