Overview

This dictionary uncovers the origins of over 8000 foreign words and phrases which are in general circulation in late 20-century English, including words from a wide variety of different languages, e.g. Aboriginal, Afrikaans, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindustani, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Malay, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish. Entries are browsable, but also comprehensive, with detailed information on each word or phrase, including any alternative spellings, the date of the word's introduction into English, its language of origin and original spelling (if different), its definition, cross-references to other relevant entries, and notes on usage and other points of interest. Quotations throughout illustrate the way in which words are used in today's English. Words discussed include: aborigine, a capella, bagel, bar mitzvah, batik, Beaujolais nouveau, bongo bonsai, brahman, fandango, fatwa, faux pas, fracas, futon, intifada, jojoba, nouvelle cuisine, and pot pourri.

Full Product Details

Author:   Jennifer Speake
Publisher:   Oxford University Press
Imprint:   Oxford University Press
Edition:   New edition
Dimensions:   Width: 12.00cm , Height: 3.30cm , Length: 19.00cm
Weight:   0.426kg
ISBN:  

9780198602361

ISBN 10:   0198602367
Pages:   528
Publication Date:   01 December 1998
Audience:   General/trade ,  Professional and scholarly ,  General ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   To order  
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Reviews

The maharani, in her maillot, is playing mah-jong with the ma tre d'. The harmattan give the hasidim Heimweh, but the hausfrau's mind is on haute cuisine. English has always borrowed a variety of words and phrases - many of which are used in uncertain context. This dictionary, containing some 8000 entries, sheds light on these additions to the language, clarifying part of speech, pronunciation, derivation and definition. (Kirkus UK)

Author Information

About the Editor: Jennifer Speake is an experienced editor of reference books, including The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (with John Simpson)

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