It's a Wonderful Word

Did you know that an assassin is a hashish-eater and a yokel is a country woodpecker? In this highly entertaining book, bestselling author Albert Jack collects over 500 of the strangest, funniest-sounding and most delightful words in the English language, and traces them back to their often puzzling origins. While brushing up on your gibberish or gobbledygook, discover why bastards should resent travelling salesmen, why sheets should remain on tenterhooks and why you should never set down a tumbler before finishing your drink. These addictive anecdotes bring the English language to life, and are guaranteed to surprise and delight.