{"title":"John Ayto","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Ayto\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a captivating exploration of language, delving into the origins and quirks of words and phrases. His works suit readers with a curiosity for etymology and the playful nuances found within English vocabulary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom detailed \u003cem\u003edictionary-style references\u003c\/em\u003e to collections that highlight humorous and unusual expressions, Ayto’s books enrich understanding with both authority and wit, making them valuable additions to education and reference collections.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"dictionary-of-word-origins-by-john-ayto-9781611450538","title":"Dictionary of Word Origins","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is the link between map and apron, acrobat and oxygen, zeal and jealousy, flour and pollen, secret and crime? Did you know that crimson originally comes from the name of tiny scale insects, the kermes, from whose dried bodies a red dyestuff is made? That Yankee began as a nickname for Dutchmen? That omelette evolved from amulette, \"a thin sheet of metal,\" and is a not-too-distant cousin of the word laminate? That jeans find their antecedent in jean fustian, meaning \"a cotton fabric from Genoa\"?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Dictionary of Word Origins\u003c\/i\u003e uncovers the hidden and often surprising connection between words. Written in a clear and informative style, the more than 8,000 articles reveal the origins of and links between some of the most common English-language words. They also contain an extensive selection of words whose life histories are intrinsically fascinating or instructive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis dictionary shows how modern English has developed from its Indo-European roots and how the various influences on the language—from migration and invasion to exploration, trade, technology, and scholarship—have intermingled. It is an invaluable addition to any English or linguistics library.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"NewSouth Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47536543957228,"sku":"9781611450538","price":52.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781611450538-dictionary-of-word-origins.jpg?v=1776382697"},{"product_id":"wobbly-bits-and-other-euphemisms-by-john-ayto-9780713678406","title":"Wobbly Bits and Other Euphemisms","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eWobbly Bits\u003c\/i\u003e is the essential guide to polite conversation. Covering everything from the politically incorrect to the seriously taboo, this humorous book offers over 3,000 ways to avoid speaking your mind!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKeep this book as your secret weapon (that ‘distinguished, cosmetically different person of size' your friend keeps mentioning might just not be your ideal date!), and you'll never be caught out again!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSubjects covered include crime, sins, sex, the body and its parts, clothing and nakedness, bodily functions and secretions, illness and injury, old age and death, work, poverty, government and politics, warfare and race.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"Utterly delightful and instructive\"\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003ci\u003eThe Observer\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48244863729900,"sku":"9780713678406","price":24.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780713678406-wobbly-bits-and-other-euphemisms-1.jpg?v=1788019513"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/john-ayto.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}