Items related to A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other...
Synopsis
A handy guide to the meanings and origins of the many foreign phrases we use every day.
English as we know it today is enriched with many borrowings and influences from other languages. Aficionado, chutzpah, pro bono, hoi polloi, ketchup, nous, zeitgeist – we use these foreign words every day without thinking of their origins, but what do they actually mean? And just how and why did we English speakers absorb such exotic imports?
Each phrase has a fascinating history; colonialism, foreign trade, invasion and immigration all have their role to play in the evolution of our language. Did you know, for example, that 'lingua franca' is Italian for 'Frankish language' – a name given to a mixed common language used by diplomats of different nationalities in medieval times? Or that the seemingly modern 'bandana' comes from the Sanskrit for the ancient Indian technique of tie-dying fabric?
A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi is an accessible and entertaining treasury of information that 'connoisseurs' (French) of the English language will love!
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Chloe Rhodes is a freelance writer and journalist whose work has appeared in The Daily Telegraph, The Times and The Independent on Sunday, as well as in several other national publications. Her previous books include A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages and One For Sorrow: A Book of Old-Fashioned Lore, both published by Michael O'Mara Books.
From the Back Cover
For all those aficionados of the English languagewho feel their spiel is lacking in panache, A CertainJe Ne Sais Quoi is a veritable smorgasbord ofwords and phrases to enliven your speech.
This entertaining guide looks at the many borrowings andinfluences that enrich the English language as we knowit today, explaining where they come from, why we usethem and what they really mean. With this book, you willlearn how to avoid any embarrassing faux pas and impressthe cognoscenti with your savoir faire in no time.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherMichael O'Mara
- Publication date2015
- ISBN 10 1782434321
- ISBN 13 9781782434320
- BindingPaperback
- LanguageEnglish
- Number of pages176
Search results for A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other...
Stock Image
A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched from Other Languages
Seller: MusicMagpie, Stockport, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. 1742756833. 3/23/2025 7:07:13 PM. Seller Inventory # U9781782434320
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages
Seller: Reuseabook, Gloucester, GLOS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Used; Very Good. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine. Seller Inventory # CHL1536906
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages
Seller: Goldstone Books, Llandybie, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Good. All orders are dispatched within one working day from our UK warehouse. We've been selling books online since 2004! We have over 750,000 books in stock. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied. Seller Inventory # mon0005644766
Quantity: 1 available
Seller Image
A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages (I Used to Know That)
Seller: WeBuyBooks, Rossendale, LANCS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read but remains in clean condition. All of the pages are intact and the cover is intact and the spine may show signs of wear. The book may have minor markings which are not specifically mentioned. Seller Inventory # wbb0024957340
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi : Words We Pinched from Other Languages
Published by
O'Mara Books, Limited, Michael, 2017
ISBN 10: 1782434321
ISBN 13: 9781782434320
Used
Softcover
Seller: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Reprint. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 38368260-20
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages (I Used to Know That)
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Good. The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR007168703
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR006842224
Quantity: 7 available
Stock Image
A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Fine. Seller Inventory # GOR011050786
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages
Seller: Brit Books, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Used; Very Good. ***Simply Brit*** Welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality. Seller Inventory # 2332746
Quantity: 7 available
Stock Image
A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages
Seller: Greener Books, London, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Used; Very Good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books. Seller Inventory # 2867603
Quantity: 4 available