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 Napoleon in Egypt by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book The Ghost Shift by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book The Rivan Codex by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book Gambler's Daughter by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book Whisper His Name by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book Petite Anglaise: A True Story by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book Bravo Two Zero by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book Strip Search by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book Robotech: The Macross Saga: Doomsday by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book The Storm King by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book Steelhands by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book Los Madrugadores by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know (Revised and updated) by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book Three Filipino Women by Patricia T. O'Conner, Stewart Kellerman
Cover of the book The Consignment 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