The real story of a word or phrase’s origin and evolution is often much stranger—and much more humorous—than the commonly accepted one; the many entries will certainly leave you “happy as a clam.” Happy as a clam? Really, what’s so happy about being a clam? The saying makes much more sense when it’s paired with its missing second half: “at high water.” Now a clam at high water is a safe clam, and thus a happy clam. From the bawdy to the sublime, Quinion’s explanations and delightful asides truly prove that the “proof is in the pudding.”
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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4.2 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun reading for idle times...
20 Jan 2007
By DJ Joe Sixpack
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Ever browse the Oxford English Dictionary just for fun, especially for the parenthetical information about the origins of words? Ever wish those entries were longer? Well, then you'll love this book. Those of who love language and words will enjoy finding out the sources of "kangaroo" and "cop," "jury rigged" and "the real McCoy"... Often the real roots of phrases and words remain unknown, but debunking the myths is just as much fun as finding the answer... A good read!
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Setting the Record Straight
25 April 2006
By F. Hamilton
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
In our electronic age, especially with the Internet, information can be disseminated more rapidly and more widely than ever before. So can misinformation. People hear a plausible and entertaining story about a word's origin and share it with others -- without bothering to check its validity. In _Ballyhoo, Buckaroo, and Spuds: Ingenious Tales of Words and Their Origins_ Michael Quinion, contributor to the _Oxford English Dictionary_ and creator of the World Wide Words website and newsletter, corrects many common misconceptions.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
For word lovers out there
20 July 2005
By Guillermina B. Stover
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I love words--their meaning and their etymologies--so this is a great book for those of us who like to read and research. I especially enjoy how Michael Quinion starts off with the myth of the origin of a word then goes on to tell you the reality.
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4.2 out of 5 stars
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