Interesting Stories about Curious Words: From Stealing Thunder to Red Herrings
by Dent, Susie · 2023
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Description
Join Susie Dent, lexicographer extraordinaire and Queen of Countdown's Dictionary Corner, on a curious and exceedingly interesting adventure through all the very best RED HERRINGS, COCK AND BULL STORIES and NINE-DAY WONDERS in the English language.
Who was SWEET FANNY ADAMS?
What's the dramatic true story behind STEALING THUNDER?
Why is it CHANCING YOUR ARM when you take a risk?
What do bears have to do with LICKING INTO SHAPE?
Or robbers with PULLING SOMEONE'S LEG?
Why are CIRCLES VICIOUS?
And, what's so bad about a WHITE ELEPHANT?
'Nobody on earth knows more about the English language than Susie Dent' Gyles Brandreth
Review Susie Dent is a one-off. She breathes life and fun into words and language â Pam Ayres
Susie Dent is a national treasure â Richard Osman
Book Description A literary treasure-trove packed with amazing words, jaw-dropping stories and unforgettable etymologies from Countdown's Queen of Dictionary Corner, Susie Dent
About the Author Susie Dent is the resident word expert in Dictionary Corner on C4's Countdown and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and has been on every programme about words: 15 x 15, Word of Mouth, and More or Less. Susie also writes regularly for the Radio Times, The Week Junior and The I, and her Word of the Day has attracted over 1,000,000 followers on Twitter.
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