Thomas Nelson Publishing provided me with a complimentary copy of this book and 100 % of the opinions given here are my own unless otherwise stated.
This book explores the origins behind many of our everyday phrases and words. It gives a brief look into the past and explains why certain phrases became popular in the first place and why they have managed to stay in the lexicon of current usage. At 348 pages of actual reading material, the book covers topics from entertainment to food to conversation starters.
I love anything to do with words. Word puzzles, word origins, definitions, you name it. This book seemed like something I would enjoy reading and knowledge that I could add to the database inside my head. As I stated before, the nineteen chapters in the book cover a wide range of topics. I enjoyed reading some of the chapters, but seemed to plod on. A version of this book was originally published in 1955. The author explains in the introduction that in putting together this book he included words and phrases not even in use in 1955. However, I still found some of the material dated and obsolete. Does anyone still use the phrase "screaming meemies" to describe nervous or anxious behavior? First of all. I always thought the phrase was "screaming meanies" and referred to a group of loud and rambunctious youngsters. According to the book it was a phase that came into usage during WWII and often referred to case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
While this isn't a book that I will probably read again, it is a book that can be picked up and read in short bits. It gives an interesting look at why we use some of the phrases we use and the information just might come in handy for games like Trivial Pursuit or Jeopardy.
when you say "screaming meanies", I thought you were referring to Garrett's tantrums!
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