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Port Out Starboard Home

By Michael Quinion

Product Image: Port Out Starboard Home

Port Out Starboard Home

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Description
Can it really be true that 'golf' stands for 'Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden'? Or that 'rule of thumb' comes from an archaic legal principle that a man may chastise his wife but only with a rod no thicker than his thumb?
These and hundreds of other stories are commonly told and retold whenever people meet. They grow up in part because expressions are often genuinely mysterious. Why for example are satisfying meals 'square' rather than any other shape? And how did anyone ever come up with the idea that if you're competent at something you can 'cut the mustard'?
Michael Quinion here retells many of the more bizarre tales and explains their real origins where they're known. This is a fascinating treasure-trove of fiction and fact for anyone interested in language.
Product details
Binding:
Paperback
Edition:
1
Number of Pages:
306
Release Date:
2005-09-01
Publication Date:
2005-09-01
Publisher:
Penguin
Languages:
Original: English
ISBN10:
0141012234
ISBN13:
9780141012230
GPSR Manufacturer Reference:
[email protected]
Weight:
289 g
Height:
111 cm
Width:
181 cm
Thickness:
18 cm
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