Horrible Words

A Guide to the Misuse of English

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Linguistics, Entertainment, Humour & Comedy, General Humour
Cover of the book Horrible Words by Rebecca Gowers, Penguin Books Ltd
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Rebecca Gowers ISBN: 9781846148521
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd Publication: March 31, 2016
Imprint: Penguin Language: English
Author: Rebecca Gowers
ISBN: 9781846148521
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Publication: March 31, 2016
Imprint: Penguin
Language: English

Nothing inflames the language gripers like a misplaced disinterested, an illogical irregardless, a hideous operationalisation. To purists these are 'howlers' and 'non-words', fit only for scorn. But in their rush to condemn such terms, are the naysayers missing something?

In this provocative and hugely entertaining book, Rebecca Gowers throws light on a great array of horrible words, and shows how the diktats of the pedants are repeatedly based on misinformation, false reasoning and straight-up snobbery. The result is a brilliant work of history, a surreptitious introduction to linguistics, and a mischievous salute to the misusers of the language. It is also a bold manifesto asserting our common rights over English, even as it questions the true nature of style.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Nothing inflames the language gripers like a misplaced disinterested, an illogical irregardless, a hideous operationalisation. To purists these are 'howlers' and 'non-words', fit only for scorn. But in their rush to condemn such terms, are the naysayers missing something?

In this provocative and hugely entertaining book, Rebecca Gowers throws light on a great array of horrible words, and shows how the diktats of the pedants are repeatedly based on misinformation, false reasoning and straight-up snobbery. The result is a brilliant work of history, a surreptitious introduction to linguistics, and a mischievous salute to the misusers of the language. It is also a bold manifesto asserting our common rights over English, even as it questions the true nature of style.

More books from Penguin Books Ltd

Cover of the book Sea Horses: The Last Secret by Rebecca Gowers
Cover of the book Walk Tall by Rebecca Gowers
Cover of the book The Skincare Bible by Rebecca Gowers
Cover of the book Mad About Castles and Knights by Rebecca Gowers
Cover of the book The Sad End of Policarpo Quaresma by Rebecca Gowers
Cover of the book Skylanders Mask of Power: Trigger Happy Targets the Evil Kaos by Rebecca Gowers
Cover of the book Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Rebecca Gowers
Cover of the book London by Rebecca Gowers
Cover of the book Face Your Fears by Rebecca Gowers
Cover of the book The Story of A Fierce Bad Rabbit by Rebecca Gowers
Cover of the book The Absentee by Rebecca Gowers
Cover of the book A Dictionary of the English Language: an Anthology by Rebecca Gowers
Cover of the book Letters from My Windmill by Rebecca Gowers
Cover of the book Penguin Writers' Guides: Improve Your Spelling by Rebecca Gowers
Cover of the book David Williamson by Rebecca Gowers
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy