Charles Earle Funk was an American lexicographer renowned for his etymological dictionaries. His work delved into the captivating origins of words and phrases, revealing the hidden stories and historical contexts embedded within language. His books serve as engaging explorations of vocabulary, offering insights into the cultural and societal roots of the expressions we use. Through his profound interest in word origins, Funk established himself as an authority on etymology, leaving a valuable legacy for language enthusiasts.
This antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of an original work, preserving its historical significance despite potential imperfections like marks and notations. It aims to protect and promote cultural literature by providing modern editions that remain faithful to the original text, ensuring accessibility and quality for readers.
Why do people "take 40 winks" and not 50...or 60, or 70? Did someone literally "let the cat out of the bag" at one point in time? Has anyone actually "gone on a wild goose chase"? Find out the answers to these questions and many more in this enormous collection, comprised of four bestselling A Hog on Ice, Thereby Hangs a Tale, Heavens to Betsy! and Horsefeathers and Other Curious Words. Dr. Funk, editor-in-chief of the Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary Series, reveals the sometimes surprising, often amusing, and always fascinating roots of more than 2,000 vernacular words and expressions. From "kangaroo court" to "one-horse town", from "face the music" to "hocus-pocus," it's an entertaining linguistic journey.