The Accidental Dictionary: The Remarkable Twists and Turns of English Words

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Exploring the surprising origins of everyday language, the book delves into the etymology of one hundred words, revealing their quirky transformations over time. Terms like "busking" once referred to piracy, while "bimbo" originally described a man. The narrative showcases how meanings have shifted dramatically, with "nice" evolving from ignorance to a term of approval. This journey through the evolution of English uncovers the fascinating stories behind familiar words, highlighting the unexpected twists that shape our language today.