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Horsefeathers: & Other Curious Words
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Horsefeathers: & Other Curious Words Paperback - 2002

by Charles E. Funk

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If readers have ever wondered why the candy is called butterscotch; why a certain Southern food is called a hushpuppy; or why log supports in a fireplace are known as andirons, or, sometimes, firedogs; then they'll be fascinated by the origins of the over 600 words discussed in "a book that gets curiouser and curiouser as it goes along" ("San Francisco Chronicle").

Reader reviews for Horsefeathers: & Other Curious Words

From the publisher

From "mad as a wet hen" to "corn dodger" and "hobgoblin," Charles Funk's collections of curious words and expressions are a treasure trove of word origin.

If you've ever wondered why the candy is called butterscotch; why a certain Southern food is called a hushpuppy; why log supports in a fireplace are known as andirons, or, sometimes, firedogs; you'll be fascinated by the origins of the over 600 words discussed in "a book that gets curiouser and curiouser as it goes along"(San Francisco Chronicle).

First line

The Anglo-Saxon word which has become stirrup was stigrap, and if this were to be literally translated into modern English, it would become "sty-rope" or "climbing-rope" The Anglo-Saxon word is composed of the root stig, from stigan, "to climb" (see under steward for sty, "to climb"), plus rap, "rope" This leads us to the conclusion that the first stirrups were merely short lengths of ropes thrown over the back of the steed, and having loops tied in either end.

From the rear cover

Oh, horsefeathers!

If you've ever wondered why the candy is called butterscotch; why a certain southern food is called a hush puppy; why tog supports in a fireplace are known as andirons, or sometimes firedogs, you'll be fascinated by the origins of the more than 600 words discussed in "a book that gets curiouser and curiouser as it goes along" (Son Francisco Chronicle).

Details

  • Title Horsefeathers: & Other Curious Words
  • Author Charles E. Funk
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Reprint
  • Pages 256
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher William Morrow & Company, New York, New York
  • Publication date 2002-10-22
  • ISBN 9780060513375 / 0060513373
  • Weight 0.5 lbs (0.23 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.7 in (20.07 x 13.21 x 1.78 cm)
  • Category Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy
  • Library of Congress subjects English language - Etymology, English language - Semantics
  • Dewey Decimal Code 422

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Horsefeathers: & Other Curious Words
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Horsefeathers: & Other Curious Words

by Funk, Charles E.

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Horsefeathers : & Other Curious Words

by Charles E. Funk

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Horsefeathers: & Other Curious Words ? Charles Funk's Etymology of 600+ English Phrases...
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by Funk, Charles E,

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Horsefeathers: & Other Curious Words
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Horsefeathers: & Other Curious Words

by Funk, Charles E

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Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780060513375 / 0060513373
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