Bøger af John Ayto

Take a fascinating journey from cornflakes (1907) to spam (1994). This vivid picture of the last 105 years is based on John Ayto's critically acclaimed Twentieth Century Words, and gives a selection of the key words added to the English language in the twentieth century. For each decade, an introductory essay identifies the main historical, cultural, and scientific currents, and shows how they contributed new vocabulary to the language. An A-Z listing of words which were first recorded in that decade follows, selected for their resonance to today's world. Each word is fully described and its origins explained. A final section looks at vocabulary developments of the new millennium. Full of surprises, Movers and Shakers is at once a glimpse of the past and a handbook for today.

Here, John Ayto has brought together over 10,000 slang words and phrases common to 20th-century English, to provide a comprehensive and highly engaging guide to the most outspoken corner of our language. Unlike most such dictionaries, this volume is organized thematically, with slang words gathered under such headings as "the body and its functions" or "sustenance and intoxication." Within each section, the words are listed chronologically, starting with the century's earliest words and phrases and progressing right through to the present day, thus illuminating the development of slang and colloquial language over the last hundred years. Word origins and other interesting features of usage are given wherever possible, as are illustrative quotations from a wide range of authors. A comprehensive A-Z index lists all words included in the dictionary, so you can find a particular word quickly. From "five-finger discount" to "forty-rod whiskey," this is an authoritative and up-to-date record of slang throughout the English-speaking world.

In Twentieth Century Words, lexicographer John Ayto takes us on an exhilarating tour of our century, charting it decade by decade by way of the words we've coined to mark our passage through time. Ayto looks at some 5,000 words and meanings, from "flapper" to "flower power" to "road rage." We learn the birth dates of words such as "movie" (1910s), "barbecue" (1930s), Beatlemania (1960s), and "foodie" (1980s). Ayto also treats us to many surprises as well. Did you know, for instance, that "atomic energy" was coined in the 1900s, "rocket ship" in the 1920s, "hologram" in the '40s, and "modem" in the '50s? And in addition to the main alphabetic sequence of entries, the book also offers boxed features on topics of special interest, such as words arising from World War II ("bazooka," "jeep," "bikini"). With a thoughtful essay to introduce each decade, and thousands of evocative words and phrases, Twentieth Century Words will enthrall all word lovers as it opens a unique window on the last one hundred years.

From" Angels on Horseback" to "Zabaglione" this lively and authoritative guide presents the meaning, origin, and development of over 1,200 food and drink terms. The book's rich spread will delight all those who want to discover more about what they eat and drink.Encyclopedic entries on a wide range of foodstuffs, dishes, and beveragesStaple foods ( "potato, rice" ) and everday drinks ( "tea, coffee" )Foods named after their place of origin - "Stilton" and "Petit Suisse" Popular foreign cuisine from "Ciabatta" to "poppadom" Gastronomic red herrings such as "Bombay duck, Alaska strawberries, " and "prairie oyster"

Highly readable and lively, The Oxford Dictionary of Rhyming Slang is the ultimate guide to this perennially captivating subject. This new volume charts the 150-year history of rhyming slang from its origins in 19th century cockney rhyming slang to modern popney rhyming slang. Unlike other dictionaries of its kind, The Oxford Dictionary of Rhyming Slang is organized thematically, with slang words gathered under headings such as "food and drink," "sex," "clothing," and "illness." Illustrating how rich and entertaining a language form it is, author John Ayto provides extensive examples and explores the range and development of rhyming slang throughout its history. From "silver spoon" (moon) to "alligator" (later) to "Jack and Jill" (hill), this reference is an authoritative and up-to-date guide to this colorful corner of language.

The Encyclopedia of Surnames is not just another dictionary! With entertaining coverage of more than 7,000 surnames, it provides a complete and accessible companion to tracing the history of names. Written by John Ayto, a respected lexicographer, it is the ideal gift or research tool for anyone interested in tracing their family history.

Wobbly Bits is the essential guide to polite conversation. Covering everything from the politically incorrect to the seriously taboo, this entertaining book offers over 3,000 ways to avoid speaking your mind.

Laid out in an A-Z format with detailed cross references, and written in a style that is both authoritative and accessible, Word Origins is a valuable historical guide to the English language.

For reference or for fun, here are the origins of thousands of English words.

The Oxford School Dictionary of Word Origins is the only dictionary of word origins for schools, featuring histories of many thousands of words. Also includes a thematic topic section ideal for project work.

Rhyming slang is a subject of perennial interest to the general language-conscious public. Entries are arranged in subject areas, such as clothing, food and drink, and animals. John Ayto explores the range and development of rhyming slang during its 150 year history, from traditional Cockney Rhyming Slang to the popney rhyming slang of today.