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Book Reviews of The American Language: An Inquiry Into the Development of English in the United States

The American Language: An Inquiry Into the Development of English in the United States
The American Language An Inquiry Into the Development of English in the United States
Author: H. L. Mencken
ISBN-13: 9780394400761
ISBN-10: 0394400763
Publication Date: 6/27/1945
Pages: 769
Edition: 4th
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1

4 stars, based on 1 rating
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

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jack-n-ivy-chinese avatar reviewed The American Language: An Inquiry Into the Development of English in the United States on + 10 more book reviews
I found a copy of this at a garage sale--it's a real treasure trove of word lore. Ever wonder where phrases such as 'Rendez-vous with Destiny' and the like come from? Did you know the connection between the word 'boondoggle' and the Boy Scouts? Find out here. There's also a valuable lists of words taken from the Algonquian languages, including mugwump! So if you need to know about words like skedaddle, hunky-dory, and shebang, this is the book for you. This book would have an entry for 'Freedom Fries' if it had been written, say, after 2003. A great way to spend a rainy afternoon.