Origins of the Specious

Myths and Misconceptions of the English Language

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Literacy, Reference, Almanacs & Trivia, Trivia, Grammar
Cover of the book Origins of the Specious by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman, Random House Publishing Group
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman ISBN: 9781588368560
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group Publication: May 5, 2009
Imprint: Random House Language: English
Author: Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
ISBN: 9781588368560
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Publication: May 5, 2009
Imprint: Random House
Language: English

Do you cringe when a talking head pronounces “niche” as NITCH? Do you get bent out of shape when your teenager begins a sentence with “and”? Do you think British spellings are more “civilised” than the American versions? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you’re myth-informed. 

    In Origins of the Specious, word mavens Patricia T. O’Conner and Stewart Kellerman reveal why some of grammar’s best-known “rules” aren’t—and never were—rules at all. This playfully witty, rigorously researched book sets the record straight about bogus word origins, politically correct fictions, phony français, fake acronyms, and more. Here are some shockers: “They” was once commonly used for both singular and plural, much the way “you” is today. And an eighteenth-century female grammarian, of all people, is largely responsible for the all-purpose “he.” From the Queen’s English to street slang, this eye-opening romp will be the toast of grammarphiles and the salvation of grammarphobes. Take our word for it.

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

Do you cringe when a talking head pronounces “niche” as NITCH? Do you get bent out of shape when your teenager begins a sentence with “and”? Do you think British spellings are more “civilised” than the American versions? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you’re myth-informed. 

    In Origins of the Specious, word mavens Patricia T. O’Conner and Stewart Kellerman reveal why some of grammar’s best-known “rules” aren’t—and never were—rules at all. This playfully witty, rigorously researched book sets the record straight about bogus word origins, politically correct fictions, phony français, fake acronyms, and more. Here are some shockers: “They” was once commonly used for both singular and plural, much the way “you” is today. And an eighteenth-century female grammarian, of all people, is largely responsible for the all-purpose “he.” From the Queen’s English to street slang, this eye-opening romp will be the toast of grammarphiles and the salvation of grammarphobes. Take our word for it.

More books from Random House Publishing Group

Cover of the book The Bridge at Remagen by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book For the Music by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book Ethan Frome & Summer by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book Luscious Craving by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book Six of One by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book The Face of Death by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book Roger's Version by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book Banquet at Delmonico's by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book The Innocent Man by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book 15 Months in SOG by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book General Jo Shelby's March by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book Ice Cold by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book Merciless by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book The Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book The Whistler by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
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