{"product_id":"9781805226208","title":"The Wordspotter's Guide","description":"'This is book worth wandering into, offering rich pickings and tidbits galore' COUNTRY LIFE\n\n'An insanely original exploration of where our words come from' SIMON GARFIELD'\n\nThe creator of the viral sensation Weird Medieval Guys turns her idiosyncratic and humorous eye to the fascinating roots of the English language.\n\nDo you know your 'lightning-stems'* from your 'ground lions'†?\n\nEver wondered whether you are more of a 'soft little cheese'‡ or a 'manikin'§?\n\nDid the Norse have it right when they called their ale receptacles 'beer mansions'** and their wine 'the destruction of dignity'††?\n\nIntroducing Wordspotting: a hobby for those in search of linguistic illumination. Words give our lives meaning. They gift us the power of communication and lend colour and texture to our experiences. Above all, they allow us to tell stories - including the stories of words themselves.\n\nBrimming with fascinating etymological titbits alongside advice and techniques for detecting the bizarre and unlikely connections between words and their meanings, The Wordspotter's Guide will set you on the path to becoming the ultimate etymological explorer.\n\n* Anacondas\n† Chameleons\n‡ Compliment: delight, dear one\n§ Insult: little man\n** Bjorrann\n†† Galli strugs\n\n'Immensely readable, full of learning and very entertaining' ANTHONY BALE","brand":"Swarthout, Olivia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57031367917954,"sku":"9781805226208","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0936\/6575\/5522\/files\/9781805226208.jpg?v=1794494970","url":"https:\/\/archwaybookshop.co.uk\/products\/9781805226208","provider":"Archway Bookshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}