This dictionary of word origins is a very condensed version of one of the author's sources, the Shorter Oxford English dictionary. Kipfer, a logogogue (word expert), adds such tidbits (from the British "titbit") as the origin and frequency of usage of selected letters of the alphabet. "Nerd" is not included. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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Are You a Word Nerd?Did you know...Only a human (not an animal or thing) is "able" to do somethingThe five on dice is called cinque"K" for strike-out in baseball comes from the last letter of "struck"To skice is to frisk about like squirrels in springFor word lovers everywhere, Word Nerd is a rich—and fun—compendium of more than 17,000 fascinating facts about words. Bestselling author Barbara Anne Kipfer has spent years compiling little known tidbits about common—and not so common—words in the English language.Filled with interesting information about words, sure to amaze and spark conversation, this incredible collection is perfect for the word nerd in each of us.
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