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A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages (I Used to Know That) - Softcover
Book 2 of 20: I Used to Know That Book
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.
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A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages
Published by
Michael O'Mara Books Ltd, 2015
ISBN 10: 1782434321
ISBN 13: 9781782434320
Used
Paperback
Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. 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! Seller Inventory # CIN1782434321VG
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A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages
Published by
Michael O'Mara Books Ltd, 2015
ISBN 10: 1782434321
ISBN 13: 9781782434320
Used
Paperback
Seller: World of Books Inc, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. 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! Seller Inventory # CIN1782434321VG
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A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages (I Used to Know That)
Published by
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ISBN 10: 1782434321
ISBN 13: 9781782434320
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Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. 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! 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
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A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched from Other Languages
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ISBN 10: 1782434321
ISBN 13: 9781782434320
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A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi : Words We Pinched from Other Languages
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ISBN 10: 1782434321
ISBN 13: 9781782434320
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A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi : Words We Pinched from Other Languages
Published by
O'Mara Books, Limited, Michael, 2015
ISBN 10: 1782434321
ISBN 13: 9781782434320
Used
Softcover
Seller: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Reprint. Former library copy. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 54796426-20
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