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Reveals the stories behind the most fascinating words in the English language, from assassin (a hashish-eater), to yokel (a country woodpecker) and many more. With 500 entries, including gibberish, tenterhooks, tumbler, spondulics and avocados. From the author of "Red Herrings & White Elephants" and "Pop Goes The Weasel".
Synopsis
Did you know that an assassin is a hashish-eater and a yokel a country woodpecker? That Dr Mesmer mesmerised patients back to health or that Samuel Pepys enjoyed a good game of handicap? This title collects over 500 of the strangest, and funniest-sounding words in the English language, and traces them back to their often puzzling origins.
