etymology

Lyrical text explores what words are and how they are used, highlighting such characteristics as that some words are spoken softly, some are shouted, some sound like their meaning, and some evoke certain feelings.

Presents a collection of slang words and expressions used by individual generations throughout the twentieth century including wartime and criminal slang.

Provides the stories behind the meanings of such common words and phrases as Adidas, jeep, ketchup, peeping Tom, tuxedo, and Yankees.

Explains the meaning and origins of over 100 nonsense words that make the English language more colorful including such examples as "flip-flop," "fuzzy-wuzzy," "cancan," and "tutti frutti.".

Identifies the origins of more than 110 commonly used words.

Traces the origins of the word "OK," explaining how it was created, what it stood for, and how it has become one of the most ubiquitous words in the English language.

Ammon Shea provides an account of his experiences reading the entire "Oxford English Dictionary" over the course of one year, and shares a smidgeon of what he learned about words from the vast text.

Explains the origins of hundreds of words and expressions, such as "Dressed to the nines," "Kick the bucket," and "Freeloader.".

Explores the orthography and etymology of the English language; discussing spelling methods and reform, origins of the alphabet, the evolution of Anglo-Saxon spelling, and other related topics.