The Real McCoy: Why We Say the Things We Say

by Georgia Hole, Sara Hawker

Overview

English is incredibly rich language, full of colorful and unusual phrases and expressions. This entertaining book illuminates the question of why we say the things we say. The Real McCoy gives the fascinating stories behind hundreds of the most interesting and commonly used idioms in the English language-from 'black sheep' to 'mad hatter' they're all here. Each phrase has been thoroughly researched to uncover its origins and the way it has been used in the past. The book includes a section focusing on idioms linked by a common theme, such as phrases coined by Shakespeare, nautical phrases, or phrases with Biblical origin.

Written in a lively and approachable style,The Real McCoy includes specially commissioned cartoons to illustrate the idioms making this great book a truly entertaining look at the colorful side of the English language.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780192806116
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/08/2005
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	8.66(w) x 5.83(h) x 0.80(d)

Table of Contents

	Introduction	1
	A-Z entries	3
	Special Panels
	Animals	8
	Biblical expressions	22
	Colours	36
	Eating and drinking	56
	Foreign countries	68
	Legends and myths	104
	Nautical expressions	122
	Parts of the body	136
	Shakespeare's plays	154
	Sport	162
	Thematic index	192

Editorial Reviews

"Addictive reading for verbivores and fine browsing material for everyone else."—Booklist

From the Publisher