Why do you “call shotgun” when you want the front passenger seat? What does “letting the cat out of the bag” have to do with divulging secrets? Why do you ask people to “cut to the chase”? Why do you hear all those juicy rumors “through the grapevine”?Like many people, you’ve probably used idioms or phrases like these without giving them a second thought. But if you were to take a moment to step back and learn about them you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover the mesmerizing and sometimes outright bizarre origins to these fun sayings!In Why Do We Say That, we have curated 101 of the most regularly used idioms, proverbs, turns of phrases, and colloquial terms that have the most fascinating backstories. For each phrase, we explain how it was coined, how its use evolved through the ages, and how it gained its contemporary use.Inside you will discover:✔️ What the sanitary conditions of 17th century London have to do with “its raining cats and dogs” today.✔️ What taking things “with a grain of salt” has to do with an ancient remedy for poison.✔️ What Southeast Asian warrior traditions have to do with the term “to run amuck.”✔️ Why “to break a leg” became something worth aspiring to in the Elizabethan theaters.And many, many more!Whether you're a native English speaker looking to expand your vocabulary, an ESL student or language learner wanting to speak English more naturally and confidently, or a trivia lover fascinated by word origins and quirky English expressions — this idiom book is packed with fun facts, fascinating backstories, and memorable phrases. You'll laugh, learn, and never hear common English idioms the same way again.Click the Buy Now button at the top of the page to unravel the mysteries behind popular English idioms. Read more

Are you ready to dive deep into the heart of Australian English, mastering the art of Aussie slang with ease and confidence? Eager to fit in like a local on your next visit Down Under? Want to confidently navigate through conversations peppered with Aussie slang without missing a beat?Dive into the rich Australian culture with Mastering Australian Slang and Expressions: Your Essential Aussie Idioms Dictionary When You’re Down Under. This comprehensive guide is your key to unlocking the heart and soul of Australian English, blending educational insights with light-hearted fun. Speak Like a True Aussie: From "fair dinkum" to "hard yakka," learn to express yourself with the authentic flair of Australian vernacular. Perfect for travelers, expatriates, and enthusiasts of Australian culture, this dictionary will ensure you’re never lost for words.Humorous and Engaging: Filled with humorous examples, cultural anecdotes, and practical tips, this book ensures the learning process is engaging and entertaining. You'll find yourself laughing as you learn, making it easier to remember and use Aussie slang in everyday conversations.Practical Application: Go beyond the basics with advice on pronunciation, common usage, and the subtleties of dialect. Whether you're ordering a "flat white" in a café or chatting about the "footy," you’ll feel confident in your ability to engage and connect.Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether you're planning a trip to Australia, looking to connect with Aussie friends, or simply fascinated by the nuances of English dialects, Mastering Australian Slang and Expressions is an invaluable resource.Make your journey to understanding Australian slang a breeze. Mastering Australian Slang and Expressions promises not just mastery of language, but a deeper appreciation for the Aussie way of life.Scroll up and click "Buy Now" to start your adventure into the heart of Australian language and culture today! Read more

📘 Extra Large Print Word Search✅ Jumbo Print Word Search Book: Carefully designed with an easy-to-read BIG font size.✅ Fresh Challange in every round: Contains 50 themed puzzles spanning various topics for seniors and adults.✅ Fun Facts: To make the word search puzzles more relaxing___________________________________________🎁 A Thoughtful, Eye-Friendly Gift for Seniors and Adults🧠 It keeps the mind sharp while ensuring visual comfort✍️ Features vertical, horizontal, and diagonal word searches💡 Solutions with big letters: No More Straining to Read Tiny LettersOrder Your Copy Today! Read more

The classic pocket guide to the language of London. This wonderful little guide to cockney rhyming slang contains over 1,700 old and new rhymes translated from Cockney to English and English to Cockney, including:Custard and jelly - tellyHot cross bun - nunLemon tart - smartRock ’n’ roll - doleSticky toffee - coffee...and many more. Master the art of the Cockney rhyme and discover the Cockney origins of common British phrases. Read more

A highly popular and informative guide to the Scots language in an attractive format. Contains words and phrases from both literary and everyday language, this is the perfect wee dictionary of Scots for native and non-native speakers alike.This is by far the most popular guide to the language of today’s Scotland, with nearly 1800 everyday words and phrases from all over Scotland clearly explained and with lots of helpful examples of usage. Colour text makes this best-selling dictionary even more user-friendly. With its durable and eye-catching cover, this is a must for every bookshelf. Read more

In his best-selling Strictly English Simon Heffer explained how to write and speak our language well. In Simply English he offers an entertaining and supremely useful A–Z guide to frequent errors, common misunderstandings and stylistic howlers. What is the difference between amend and emend, between imply and infer, and between uninterested and disinterested? When should one put owing to rather than due to? Why should the temptation to write actually, basically or at this moment in time always be strenuously resisted? How does one use an apostrophe correctly, ensure that one understands what alibi really means, and avoid the perils of the double negative?With articles on everything from punctuation to tabloid English to adverbs and adjectives, Simply English is the essential companion for anyone who cares about the language and wants to use it correctly. Read more

The Aussie Slang Dictionary contains a comprehensive list of the Australian slang language. You will no longer need a translator with this mini dictionary filled with over 600 Aussie slang entries.Features:A collection of over 600 words.An A-Z list of Ozzie words and phrases.Small handbook sized.You don’t properly know Australian language until you’ve learned the Aussie slang. Read more

A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER One of the most salient features of our culture is that there is so much bullshit. Everyone knows this. Each of us contributes his share. But we tend to take the situation for granted. Most people are rather confident of their ability to recognize bullshit and to avoid being taken in by it. So the phenomenon has not aroused much deliberate concern. We have no clear understanding of what bullshit is, why there is so much of it, or what functions it serves. And we lack a conscientiously developed appreciation of what it means to us. In other words, as Harry Frankfurt writes, "we have no theory." Frankfurt, one of the world's most influential moral philosophers, attempts to build such a theory here. With his characteristic combination of philosophical acuity, psychological insight, and wry humor, Frankfurt proceeds by exploring how bullshit and the related concept of humbug are distinct from lying. He argues that bullshitters misrepresent themselves to their audience not as liars do, that is, by deliberately making false claims about what is true. In fact, bullshit need not be untrue at all. Rather, bullshitters seek to convey a certain impression of themselves without being concerned about whether anything at all is true. They quietly change the rules governing their end of the conversation so that claims about truth and falsity are irrelevant. Frankfurt concludes that although bullshit can take many innocent forms, excessive indulgence in it can eventually undermine the practitioner's capacity to tell the truth in a way that lying does not. Liars at least acknowledge that it matters what is true. By virtue of this, Frankfurt writes, bullshit is a greater enemy of the truth than lies are. Read more

Ever wondered why we say crocodile tears, spill the beans, or let the cat out of the bag?The origins of more than one hundred words and phrases just like these are explained and explored in this fascinating collection of word histories and etymologies!Behind the Curtain of Common Sayings pulls back the veil on the wild, hilarious, and sometimes downright bizarre origins of the expressions we use every day. From ancient mishaps to medieval mischief, you will discover the strange history behind the words that roll off our tongues without a second thought.From the Achilles heel to crying wolf, this anthology takes in phrases from across the entire history of our language, while encompassing topics such as literature, mythology, sports, games, folklore, and much, much more.Slang expressions and classical proverbs are included here too, as well as two fascinating appendices looking exclusively at fifteen quintessential American expressions (like 23-skiddoo and buying the farm), and a further fifteen quintessential Britishisms (like taking the biscuit and Bob’s your uncle!).More than 100 words, phrases, and expressions are explained here.Arranged in thematic alphabetical order, phrase by phrase.Separate sections deal with American and British English expressions too.Easy, conversational, and non-technical explanations make the stories accessible to everyone.Beautifully presented and illustrated throughout.The ideal gift for language lovers and word hounds!Packed with fun facts and surprising stories, Behind the Curtain of Common Sayings is perfect for language lovers, trivia buffs, and anyone who has ever wondered how telling someone to break a leg became a sign of good luck.Are you ready to take a peek behind the curtain? Get ready to laugh, learn, and never hear a common saying the same way again! Read more

“Vastly informative and vastly entertaining…A scholarly and fascinating book.” —Los Angeles TimesWith dazzling wit and astonishing insight, Bill Bryson explores the remarkable history, eccentricities, resilience and sheer fun of the English language. From the first descent of the larynx into the throat (why you can talk but your dog can’t), to the fine lost art of swearing, Bryson tells the fascinating, often uproarious story of an inadequate, second-rate tongue of peasants that developed into one of the world’s largest growth industries. Read more

Learn all the slang words and modern street phrases you never got to in Japanese class with this fun, super-handy English-Japanese phrasebook.Next time you’re traveling or just chattin’ in Japanese with your friends, drop the textbook formality and bust out with expressions they never teach you in school, including:•Cool slang•Funny insults•Explicit terms•Raw swear wordsDirty Japanese teaches the casual expressions heard every day on the streets from Tokyo to Kyoto from "What's up?" (Ossu?) to "I'm smashed," (Beron beron ni nattekita.) Read more

Need to quickly learn the Yorkshire lingo? Finally, the answer to this problem has arrived. Just refer to this life-saving A-Z list of the most common words and phrases and thank me later with a positive review.Moving to the Yorkshire region to study? Know someone who is relocating to Sheffield? Are you just residing in the area and can’t understand a word of what Yorkshire folk are saying? Are you a tourist who wants to know what sounds are coming out of the mouths of the people of Leeds? Or perhaps you just love all there is to York. No longer will you have to keep asking Yorkshire people to repeat what they said to the extent they think you’re simple. This is the perfect book which contains all your essential Yorkshire words and phrases.For people from outside of the region, the dialect sounds like a foreign language. It has an instantly recognisable and charming accent.The people of Yorkshire have developed a unique vocabulary with dialect that can be utterly mystifying to outsiders. This mini illustrated ‘dictionary’ of sayings and explanations contains the perfect light hearted selection of common words and sayings.Features:An A-Z list of words and phrases commonly used in Yorkshire.Simple straight to the point definitions.Drawings to keep you smiling whilst learning.Funny gift for men, women, teens or anyone of all ages.Small sized pages so you can carry in a pocket or your handbag.This a brilliant gift for everyone. Your passport to learn yourself Yorkshire. Great gift idea as a stocking filler, secret santa, birthday gift for friends, colleagues or just a something to make someone smile. Read more

An absolute beauty of a book: an illustrated A-to-Z collection of over 400 curious, eccentric and hilarious words and phrases used by international players, village and club cricketers, a perfect handbook for the cricket fan, the wordsmith and the humourist.Beer Snake, Barnes Wallace, Bunsen and Buzzers … Featherbed, Ferret, Flamingo and Footler … Pickpocket, Pie Chucker, Pongo and Pudding ... Teapot, Toe-Smasher, Tonto and Twiddler … The language of cricket is as rich as its history.Cricket jargon has ballooned in recent years, thanks to round-the-clock global television coverage, the expansion of competitions, new technological devices and live online reporting of Tests, one-day internationals and T20s.This charming collection brings together in one volume all the current buzzwords and time-honoured banter of the players, fans and commentators and delivers it to the cricket lover’s armchair, smartphone, loo and bedside table.From Lord’s to Lahore, Delhi to Durham, Melbourne to Manchester, Cape Town to the Caribbean, cricket is a universal language. Packed with curious words and expressions, new and old, zany and downright rude, this compilation will delight cricket fans the world over.Sample entries:Banter – Euph. Word casting a light veil over the bitter exchange of insults taking place between the batsman and assorted fielders. See also Niggle, Exchange of Pleasantries, VerbalsCamel – Graceless and unathletic fielder, often ageing fast bowler, dispatched to a distant backwater of the outfield in which he is least likely to make a fool of himself. See also Cart HorseNighthawk - A Nightwatchman on crack cocaine who comes to the wicket looking to slog 30 runs from 12 balls rather than block 30 for one. Term said to be coined by England quick Stuart Broad in the Bazball era of coach Brendon McCullum.~~~Review‘Every sport is a language and cricket more than most. In Niall Edworthy, it has found a very entertaining translator.’ Tim de Lisle, former editor of Wisden‘Fabulous! Very, very entertaining… a brilliant collection of knowledge and humour, an education for any budding cricketer and a must-read for all cricket anoraks.’ Chris Adams, ex-England, Derbyshire and Sussex‘In a game proud of its literature, this book stands out for bringing out the marvellous eccentricity of this unique game. Meticulously researched, this is a gift every cricket lover will savour as it will both educate and amuse them. An ideal book to illustrate a game that has always been willing to laugh at itself.’ Mihir Bose, Author and Broadcaster'.. an A to Z of names and terms by Niall Edworthy with cute little illustrations by Mudd Bexley. From 'Amidships' and 'Barnes Wallace' to 'Wobble Seam' and 'Zone (in the)'.... one for the downstairs loo.' Huw Turbervill, Editor, The Cricket MagazineAbout the AuthorNiall Edworthy is one of the UK's most prolific authors and successful ghostwriters. A former reporter for broadsheet newspapers and the international wire agencies AFP and Reuters, Niall began writing books in 1997. He is the author of almost 50 titles, most for the big publishing houses, many of them ghosted for well-known names (actors, soldiers, musicians, sportsmen & television personalities), others for ‘ordinary’ people with extraordinary stories. He has written in a wide range of genres, mainly Biography, History and Natural History but also Humour, Sport and recently, in Fiction. His first novel, Otto Eckhart’s Ordeal, was shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Best Published Novel Award 2021. He will soon be publishing his second novel. He lives in West Sussex, UK. Read more

Ever wondered why we "bark up the wrong tree" when we're mistaken or why things seem to "go down the drain" when they fail? These quirky expressions have been passed down through generations, but do you know where they come from? In "IDIOMS: Origins & Meanings," you’ll unlock the surprising, hilarious, and sometimes bizarre origins of over 200 popular idioms that we use without a second thought.What’s inside:Over 200 Idioms Demystified: Clear, concise explanations with fun examples that show you how to use these phrases in everyday conversations.Hilarious and Strange Origins: Did you know “raining cats and dogs” has nothing to do with pets falling from the sky? Or that “spill the beans” originally involved voting secrets? This book takes you on a journey through the strange histories of idioms that will leave you laughing and enlightened.Perfect for Everyone: Whether you’re a language lover, a student brushing up on English, or someone who just enjoys learning new and intriguing things, this book has something for everyone.Boost Your Conversations: Impress your friends, colleagues, or even just enjoy knowing exactly what it means to “put the cart before the horse” or why you should “hold your horses.” The Perfect Gift for Any OccasionLooking for a unique and thoughtful gift? This book is perfect for anyone who loves language, enjoys quirky facts, or simply wants to be the most interesting person at the dinner table. Whether it’s for a friend, family member, or co-worker, this book is a gift that will spark laughter and curiosity.Don’t miss out on this entertaining and educational book!Buy Now and start your journey into the world of idioms—where every phrase has a funny, quirky, or unbelievable story waiting to be uncovered. Read more

A Dictionary of Buckish Slang, University Wit, and Pickpocket Eloquence. Unabridged. Read more

Learn all the fun words and modern slang street phrases you never got to in Greek class with this fun, super-handy English-Greek phrasebook. Next time you’re traveling or just chattin’ in Greek with your friends, drop the textbook formality and bust out with expressions they never teach you in school, including: • cool slang • funny insults • explicit terms • raw swear words Dirty Greek teaches the casual expressions heard every day on the streets from Athens to Thessaloníki with phrases from "What’s up?" (Tee YEE-neh-teh?) to "Let’s party!" (EH-la na VHOO-meh toh VRA-thee!) and much more! Read more

Learn all the French slang and current phrases you never learned in French class with this handy French-English phrasebook for modern travelers.Sipping a café au lait at a sidewalk bistro...Getting down at Paris’s hottest club...Cheering on Les Bleus at the stadium...Drop the textbook formality and chat with the locals in France’s everyday language.• What’s up? Ça va?• She’s totally hot. Elle est bandante.• This party is lit! Cette bringue est enflammée!• That brie smells funky. Ce brie sent putain de drôle.• Wanna French kiss? On se roule une pelle?• That ref is a moron. L’arbitre est un abruti. Read more

"Guy Deutscher is that rare beast, an academic who talks good sense about linguistics... he argues in a playful and provocative way, that our mother tongue does indeed affect how we think and, just as important, how we perceive the world." Observer*Does language reflect the culture of a society? *Is our mother-tongue a lens through which we perceive the world? *Can different languages lead their speakers to different thoughts? In Through the Language Glass, acclaimed author Guy Deutscher will convince you that, contrary to the fashionable academic consensus of today, the answer to all these questions is - yes. A delightful amalgam of cultural history and popular science, this book explores some of the most fascinating and controversial questions about language, culture and the human mind. Read more

What is it to 'cock a snook', where is the land of Nod, and who was first to go the extra mile? Find the answers to these questions (and many more!) in the new edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Idioms.This dictionary uncovers the meanings of myriad phrases and sayings that are used daily in the English language, encompassing more than 10,000 figurative expressions, similes, sayings, and proverbs. More than 400 idioms have been added to this new edition, and comprise recently coined and common sayings alike. New additions include 'back of the net', 'drag and drop', 'go it alone', 'how come?', 'if you ask me', 'make your skin crawl', and 'woe betide'. Illustrative quotations sourced from the Oxford corpora give contextual examples of the idioms and their standard usage, and many entries include background information on the origins of the idiom in question. An updated thematic index makes for easy navigation, and anyone who is interested in the origins and diversity of English vernacular will have hours of fun browsing this fascinating dictionary. Read more

The world's most updated guide to the real Indonesian language.Includes useful task-based lessons including: Best Ways to Quickly Speak Like a LocalBest Words for Beginners to Indonesia--including TravelBest Shopping WordsBest Words for RomanceBest Words When Making New Friends in PublicBest Words for DrinkingBest Words for EatingBest Words for Bali and 7 other citiesBest Words for Visiting an Islamic schoolBest formal business phrasesBest Words for Crypto, Digital Business, and Venture CapitalBest Words for Expats Settling into IndonesiaBest Words for Diplomacy and Politics...and more!Great reasons to know everyday Indonesian:Slang unlocks authentic street food experiences - when you understand what "nano-nano" (sweet-sour-spicy) or "gerobak" (food cart) means, you'll eat where locals actually eat, not just at tourist spots.You'll decode the real Jakarta - hearing "macet total" (complete traffic jam) or "tengah mampus" (half-dead, meaning super tired) helps you commiserate with locals about daily city life.Bargaining becomes a game, not a chore - knowing phrases like "mahal banget" (super expensive) or "jangan bercanda" (don't joke) makes haggling playful rather than awkward.You'll catch the actual jokes - understanding "jayus" (unfunny jokes that become funny) or "garing" (dry/lame) helps you participate in Indonesia's rich humor culture.Transport becomes an adventure - when you know "tembak" (to negotiate a fixed price) or "ngetem" (when drivers wait for more passengers), you navigate like a pro.You'll make genuine friends faster - using "santai aja" (take it easy) or "gaul" (sociable/cool) helps break down barriers with younger Indonesians.Social media makes sense - understanding "kepo" (nosy) or "gengsi" (keeping up appearances) helps you navigate Indonesian digital culture.You'll catch vital context - knowing "asal bapak/ibu senang" (just to make the boss..or spouse….happy) helps you understand workplace and social dynamics.Street signs and ads become entertaining - recognizing wordplay like "nyeker" (barefoot) or "sebel" (annoyed) makes everyday reading fun.You'll impress locals - dropping a perfectly-timed "baper" (easily emotional) or "males" (lazy/can't be bothered) shows you really get Indonesian culture.You’ll understand politics better - like Abidin (slang for using public money for trips).You’ll see the cultural influences on the country as Indonesian borrows from 21 foreign languages and 9 local ones. Sailing terms often come from Tamil, religious words from Arabic, and tech words from English. You’ll laugh! One funny example: jomblo (single person) comes from Sundanese, meaning "unsold product"! Read more