The Oxford Essential Dictionary of Word Histories

Oxford editors have selected more than 11,000 core words of the English language, with dates of first recorded evidence taken from ongoing research for the Oxford English Dictionary.

Well-known idioms are included with dates of original use and notes as to how and when they came about, such as within earshot, say it with flowers, and looking for trouble. Popular, yet wrong beliefs about the origins of words such as posh and snob are explored. The Oxford Essential Dictionary of Word Histories is the ideal reference for students, language specialists, teachers, or anyone interested in the history behind the words we use.

• Origin and sense development of over 11,000 words
• Dates of first recorded usage for each word, taken from ongoing OED research
• Word usage illustrated with quotations from Shakespeare, Hemingway, Austen, and many others.
• Entries give insight into the social history behind the words we use
• Special features demonstrate the various meanings of shared prefixes, such as hyperspace, hypersonic, and hyperlink.