A Certain Je Ne Sais Quoi: Words We Pinched From Other Languages - Hardcover

Rhodes, Chloe

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1843173646 ISBN 13: 9781843173649

Publisher: Michael O'Mara, 2009

Synopsis

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!

About 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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Michael O'Mara
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1843173646
• ISBN 13: 9781843173649
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 176