I find the history of words fascinating, especially in English where there are many interesting words borrowed from different languages. Words from Hell: Unearthing the Darkest Secrets of English Etymology uncovers the roots and evolution of words, revealing how their meanings have changed over time. Jess Zafarris shares a delightful selection of linguistic wonders to explore. Get ready to explore a world of linguistic delight.
Etymology is the exploration of word origins and the evolution of their meanings throughout history. Let’s exemplify this with the term “etymology” itself. Originally, “etymology” originates from the Greek word “etumos,” signifying “true.” In the past, “etumologia” represented the study of words’ “true meanings.” Eventually, through the influence of the Old French term “ethimologie,” it transformed into the familiar word we know today, “etymology.” While this explanation seems clear, it’s worth noting that numerous words in the English language possess captivating and unexpected origins.
Words from Hell: Unearthing the Darkest Secrets of English Etymology is organized into several primary chapters that encompass broad categories like swear words, supernatural words, violent words, and more. Within each chapter, you’ll find an alphabetical compilation of numerous terms, accompanied by concise explanations of their origins. While some words possess evident historical roots, others have multiple theories, Jess Zafarris adeptly distinguishes these variations, ensuring clarity throughout the book.
Words from Hell: Unearthing the Darkest Secrets of English Etymology is a thoroughly researched book that offers a delightful assortment of linguistic wonders. With a blend of humor and fascination, it explores words, their meanings, and intriguing combinations. Unraveling the true origins of seemingly offensive terms, delving into the dark historical backgrounds of everyday language, and spanning from the inappropriate to the sublime, the book covers it all. Presented in a well-structured and entertaining manner, this literary gem is a must-read for language enthusiasts. thoroughly researched book offers a delightful assortment of linguistic wonders. With a blend of humor and fascination, it explores words, their meanings, and intriguing combinations. Unraveling the true origins of seemingly offensive terms, delving into the dark historical backgrounds of everyday language, and spanning from the inappropriate to the sublime, the book covers it all. Presented in a well-structured and entertaining manner, this literary gem is a must-read for language aficionados.
The English language is where words go to be tortured and mutilated into unrecognizable shadows of their former selves. It’s where Latin, Greek, and Germanic roots are shredded apart and stitched unceremoniously back together with misunderstood snippets of languages snatched from the wreckage of conquest and colonialism. It wreaks merciless havoc upon grammar and spelling. It turns clinical terms into insults and children’s tales into filthy euphemisms.
With an emphasis on understanding where the foulest words in the English language came from and the disgusting and hilarious histories behind them-this book demonstrate the true filth of our everyday words. But this book is more than just a list of vulgar words and salacious slang. It’s a thoughtful analysis of why we deem words as being inappropriate as well as revealing ‘good words’ that have surprisingly naughty origins.
Dirty-minded word nerds and lewd linguistics lovers will derive unadulterated pleasure in leering at the origins of swear words, sexual lingo, inappropriate idioms, violent vocabulary, and terminology for bodily functions-not to mention the unexpectedly foul origins of words you thought were perfectly innocent. If it’s inappropriate, stomach-churning, uncomfortable, or offensive, this book reaches into the dark recesses of history and exposes them for all to see.
True to the Chambers brand, this book combines humor, scholarly research and a beautiful design. It is a book to enjoy, collect and revisit time and time again.
Jess Zafarris is the author of Once Upon a Word: A Word-Origin Dictionary for Kids. She is also an award-winning innovator of digital content and marketing solutions and a prolific online and print journalist, having served as Audience Engagement Editor at Adweek and Executive Director of Marketing & Communications for Gotham Ghostwriters. Before that, she served as Content Strategist and Digital Content Director for Writer’s Digest and Script, and she still occasionally writes for WD. Her nine years of experience in digital and print content direction and marketing include such roles as editor-in-chief of HOW magazine and online content director of HOW and PRINT magazine, as well as writing for The Hot Sheet, the Denver Business Journal, ABC News, and the Memphis Commercial Appeal. She has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature (with minors in Arabic and Anthropology) from DePaul University and a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communications from the University of Colorado Boulder.