Word myths
Subtitle: debunking linguistic urban legends
By: David Wilton ; illustrated by Ivan Brunetti
Contributors: Brunetti, Ivan
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 2009
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 221
ISBN-13: 9780195375572
Subjects: Etymology; English language; Language and languages; Folklore
Description: This well-structured trawl through linguistic urban legends serves to set the etymological record straight. Using history, chronology and linguistics as primary tools, the author debunks the folklore surrounding everyday expressions, words and eponymous attributions, and provides solid alternative suggestions where no definitive answer can be found.
Notes: Originally published: 2004.

Includes bibliographical references and index.