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Can I Have a Word with You?
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Can I Have a Word with You? Paperback - 2007

by Howard Richler

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Reader reviews for Can I Have a Word with You?

From the publisher

In his fifth book about language, Howard Richler moves through the alphabet from A to Z singling out words that may look innocuous but contain treasures of hidden meanings. Especially intriguing for Richler is how words change their meanings and develop layered connotations, involving us in a complex and often involuntary language game. Witter and erudite, Richler invites readers into the intimacy of language and allows us to delight in the ever-shifting glories of English. Among the questions he asks are:

What is the proper designation for a person older than sixty-five?
What constitutes "marriage?"
Should "niggardly" be regarded as offensive?
Is there a difference between an "abortionist" and an "abortion provider?"
How should a person who is not married refer to one's love interest? Boyfriend/Girlfriend? Lover? Partner? Or?
Why are homosexuals called "gay?"
If we call all the people who hunt "hunters," should we refer to all those who fish as "fishers?"

Along with the serious fruits of his research, Richler also relates some of the hilarious language snafus he has heard: "Molotov cocktails" referred to as "mazel-tov cocktails" and the mishearing of the Beatles' lyric "The girl with kaleidoscope eyes" as "The girl with colitis goes by." Not since Lynn Truss's Eats, Shoots & Leaves has a book about language been so hilarious and informative. This book is a must not only for the bookshelves of all logophiles, but also as the bible for the many family members and friends whose get-togethers often spark lively linguistic argument.

Details

  • Title Can I Have a Word with You?
  • Author Howard Richler
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition First
  • Pages 202
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Ronsdale Press, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
  • Publication date 2007-10
  • Features Index, Price on Product - Canadian
  • ISBN 9781553800491 / 1553800494
  • Weight 0.7 lbs (0.32 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.93 x 6.17 x 0.55 in (22.68 x 15.67 x 1.40 cm)
  • Category Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy
  • Dewey Decimal Code 422

Media reviews

Citations

  • Quill & Quire, 12/01/2007, Page 34

About the author

Howard Richler is a long-time logophile who has served as a language columnist for several newspapers and magazines. He is the author of seven previous books on language.

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Can I Have a Word with You?
Stock photo: cover may vary

Can I Have a Word with You?

by Richler, Howard

  • Used
  • Very good
  • Paperback
Condition
Very good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781553800491 / 1553800494
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1
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A$5.81 Delivery to USA

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Ronsdale Press, 9/1/2024 12:00:01 AM. paperback. Very Good. 0.6000 in x 8.7000 in x 6.0000 in.
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A$20.98
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Can I Have a Word With You?
Stock photo: cover may vary

Can I Have a Word With You?

by Richler, Howard

  • New
  • Paperback
Condition
New
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781553800491 / 1553800494
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Description:
Ronsdale Pr, 2007. Paperback. New. 202 pages. 9.25x6.25x1.00 inches.
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A$56.21
A$29.34 Delivery to USA
Can I Have a Word with You?
Stock photo: cover may vary

Can I Have a Word with You?

by Richler, Howard

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781553800491 / 1553800494
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1
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paperback. Good. Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items. May be an ex-library book.
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A$47.52
Free Delivery to USA
Can I Have a Word with You?
Stock photo: cover may vary

Can I Have a Word with You?

by Richler, Howard

  • New
  • Paperback
Condition
New
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781553800491 / 1553800494
Quantity available
1
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Item price
A$173.07
A$8.67 Delivery to USA

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Description:
Ronsdale Press, 2007-10-07. Paperback. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title!
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Item price
A$173.07
A$8.67 Delivery to USA