Why Do We Say It?

I have had a lifelong passion for quote books and anything to do with answer type of books. When I saw this intriguing 286 page hardcover (Why do we say it? The stories behind the words, expressions and clichés we use put out by Castle books) book for a bargain price on Amazon I just had to have it. This book is interesting and informative as it begins from A to Z. Beginning with why do we use “A-1” to mean the very best to the end why does “Zest” mean enthusiasm.This is also an excellent reference book for anyone interested in the meaning of various words and clichés we use every day. Writers will especially love this book as an important reference source. Even though this book is incomplete and dated to some degree; nevertheless, I learned so much from reading this book and anyone who loves knowledge will also find this book interesting. The following is just a very small sample (2) of what you will learn reading this book. Each section also includes a quiz to test your knowledge of the material covered.“How did an office assistant get the name of “clerk”? At one time only the clergy knew how to read or write-and so any person with this ability was assumed to be a “cleric.” From this the words “clerical” and cleric- soon shortened to “clerk” came to mean written work or one who performed such work.”“Why do we call a person who doesn’t enter into the spirit of a party a “wet blanket.” A “wet blanket” will smother a fire-and a person who can’t have fun at a party will have a similar effect.If you always wondered about where numerous words and clichés came from this book is for you. It will increase the sum total of your knowledge no matter how smart you may think you are. I personally loved this book and it is now on my desk as a reference source.Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Zen poetry moments: Haiku and Senryu for special occasions).

history on why we say some of the things passed down from our parents and Grandparents!!!

This is really a clever and interesting book. We were hosting a dinner gathering with 3 other couples. We have been friends for close to 40 years and all of us love to play games. Each host comes up with a game for our gatherings. However, we have gone through most of the games out there, some with success and some not worth the time or money. When I saw this book at a book store, an idea popped into my head. Turn the "origin of words and phrases" into a game. I did so in a battle of the sexes mode with men on one team and women on another....it was rather similar to balderdash. One person gave the correct origin while the other two gave a 'bluff" or "faked it". The opposite team tried to guess the true origin amd were awarded points for correct answers. The originator of the fake answer that were chose also received a couple of points. The person on each team with the highest points received a goofy prize. The people in our group love to try new things and we have been around each other long enough not to be hesitant to appear ridiculous. We also learned alot! This game produced lots of laughs, not only for the actual origin but from the creative "faked" answers that came up. In was difficult for me to narrow this down to 10 rounds (about an hour) as I became almost obssessed with the information. So every day I picked up the book and read through one letter of the alphabet.

It was okay

I bought this for my FIL for Christmas knowing that he loves to learn random bits of knowledge. TBH; it was the worst gift I've ever gotten anyone and not because it's uninteresting. My FIL can't stop telling the rest of us all the random knowledge he is acquiring by reading this book. So I gave it a 5 start review because he seems to enjoy the book but I'd definitely suggest not buying it if you are giving it to someone who tends to like to tell you everything they are reading and learning.

Hubby enjoyed.

I’ve been posting one word a day on my FB, readers have been enjoying.

What I have read so far is interesting though many of the "expressions and clichés" that are explained, I never heard of before. Of course I am not very far into the book. I think so far most of what is explained are single words rather than expressions, which is what I thought would be more interesting. Will continue to read from "Why Do We Say It?" from time to time. Though this is not one of those books that a person just can't put down, it is okay.

Not the type of book I had expected. I was hoping to find interesting stories about what we say and why we say it but most of the expressions were not UK based expressions or cliches but more American, without being discriminating. And I do apologise.

Brilliant read and very interesting

Came on time,no problem, recommended

Item bought as reference book to research facts for a radio show and it does what it says on the jacket!

Enjoyed finding out where the sayings came from.