Origins And Meanings Of Popular Phrases Names Classic Reprint

Excerpt from Origins and Meanings of Popular Phrases Names This book is put forward in the belief that a demand exists for a concise epitome of the origin and meaning of words and phrases which are in every-day use but which are often not appreciated at their full significance. Its size is sufficient to show that it is neither intended to be an exhaustive philological treatise nor an academic encyclopaedia, but it aims at throwing an interesting light on many words by recalling their derivation, and it endeavours to give useful information in a pleasant and chatty form. One of the chief difficulties in its compilation has been the selection of its contents. Some criterion had to be established, as it was obviously impossible, while confining the book to convenient limits, to include everything that would be of interest to all, and yet that which might appear most desirable to some, might be esteemed valueless by others. Eventually, as the result of much cogitation, the compiler decided to cut the Gordian knot by boldly wielding the sword of his own fancy - only that which seemed of interest to him should be included. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

'Phrases and Names, Their Origins and Meanings' is a one-of-a-kind encyclopedic work that offers plain statements of facts on the origins of popular phrases and names, alphabetically organized for easy reference. Trench H. Johnson's expertise in the subject matter, acquired through years of omnivorous reading and patient inquiry, has culminated in a comprehensive and fascinating compilation of linguistic curiosities that is sure to satisfy the curiosity of any word lover. From the history of place-names to the evolution of expressions, including a plethora of slang terms and Americanisms, this book offers a wealth of knowledge that opens up the history of peoples and civilizing influences.

Excerpt from Phrases and Names Their Origins and Meanings Few words are necessary to introduce this work to the reader. It partakes of the nature of an encyclopedia, with the saving clause that the information it sets forth is confined to a plain statement of facts. Verbal embellishments have been studiously avoided. Those who seek for additional intelligence may easily obtain it from ordinarily available sources. To account for the origin of popular phrases and names has been the authors sole design. To the best of his knowledge, no other work of the kind exists. From the stores of his own knowledge, acquired through many years of omnivorous reading, patient inquiry, and investigation, he has been enabled to bring together an Olla podrida which should go far towards supplying a want. The origin of place-names is interesting in that it opens up the history of peoples and the civilising influences, if so one might term it, of conquest. London street-names, in particular, convey in one word to a person of antiquarian tastes as much meaning as "a volume of forgotten lore." As to phrases and expressions, the author has made a special study of the subject. A great many Americanisms have been included, but as the number is daily increasing it would require a monthly publication of such home-made phrases to keep fully abreast with the times. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.