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Abracadabra to Zombie: More than Three Hundred Wacky Word Origins
150 pp.
| Dutton |
November, 2003 |
TradeISBN 0-525-47100-6$$15.99
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Jared Lee
&
Jared Lee.
Derivations of both common words and proper names are included in this alphabetically arranged volume. The pithy text reveals that the word sofa comes from a cushion used for riding on a camel's back and that yo-yo is a Tagalog phrase for come-come. Illustrated with comical black-and-white art, the book also explains the origins of state names, many car models, and several sports teams. Bib., ind.