America in So Many Words Words That Have Shaped America [Paperback]

This book presents a unique historical view of American English. It chronicles year by year the contributions Americans have made to the vocabulary of English and the words Americans have embraced through the evolution of the nation. For important years from the settlement of Jamestown until 1750, and for every year from 1750 through 1998, a prominent word is analyzed and discussed in its historical context. The result is a fascinating survey of American linguistic culture through past centuries. The authors -- both lifelong students of American English -- bring great depth of understanding to these key words that have made America, and American English, what they are today.

This book presents a unique historical view of American English. It chronicles year by year the contributions Americans have made to the vocabulary of English and the words Americans have embraced through the evolution of the nation. For important years from the settlement of Jamestown until 1750, and for every year from 1750 through 1998, a prominent word is analyzed and discussed in its historical context. The result is a fascinating survey of American linguistic culture through past centuries. The authors -- both lifelong students of American English -- bring great depth of understanding to these key words that have made America, and American English, what they are today.

A humdinger in spades ... combining fun and solid scholarship in a rare mix. -- Evan Morris, Word Detective

Far excels most [books] that have been done on colorful words for the general reader. -- Jonathan Lighter, editor, The Random House Historical Dictionary fo American Slang

A good read, well researched, and full of interesting sidelights on the country and its language. -- Michael Quinion, World Wide Words

This highly selective etymological dictionary of more than 300 of the best and the brightest American words was compiled by two longtime students of American Engll3