Ballyhoo, Buckaroo, and Spuds: Ingenious Tales of Words and Their Origins

by Michael Quinion

Book Overview

Can it really be true that 'golf' stands for 'Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden'? Or that 'rule of thumb' comes from an archaic legal principle that a man may chastise his wife, but only with a rod no... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1588342190
• ISBN13: 9781588342195
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Smithsonian Books (DC)
• Length: 280 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

`The fascinating stories we tell about the words we use.'

I have two shelves full of books about the English language. Each is different, each has its own strengths, weaknesses and quirks. Michael Quinion's book is one of those to which I turn if I'm looking for some insight into common language myths. The issue of accuracy and authenticity is one I'll leave for the experts. I don't need to be as definitive as they would prefer to be. For me, words are tools to be enjoyed, considered and used. There is, of course, one shattered myth that has caused me personal discomfort. That relates to the origin of CABAL (cabal). Imagine my momentary distress at learning that this was not (as I'd long thought) an acronym formed from the names of the five preeminent leaders in Charles II's government of 1667-1673. Still, it is of little consequence: I'll consider it a mnemonic instead. Clifford, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley and Lauderdale may have even had a far greater impact on language than they did on Charles II's government. And the real origin of cabal? Well, apparently, it came into English via the French `cabale' from the medieval Latin `cabbala'. And there's more ... Enjoy. Jennifer Cameron-Smith

good deal

Bought this as a Christmas present for my son, who loves word origins and wordplay type books. Very nice condition at a closeout price. Pleased with it.

Setting the Record Straight

In our electronic age, especially with the Internet, information can be disseminated more rapidly and more widely than ever before. So can misinformation. People hear a plausible and entertaining story about a word's origin and share it with others -- without bothering to check its validity. In _Ballyhoo, Buckaroo, and Spuds: Ingenious Tales of Words and Their Origins_ Michael Quinion, contributor to the _Oxford English Dictionary_ and creator of the World Wide Words website and newsletter, corrects many common misconceptions.

Quinion's scholarship is peerless.

As usual, Michael Quinion's meticulous scholarship and excellent writing make a fascinating and educational read.

For word lovers out there

I love words--their meaning and their etymologies--so this is a great book for those of us who like to read and research. I especially enjoy how Michael Quinion starts off with the myth of the origin of a word then goes on to tell you the reality.