See how the English language evolved in this extraordinary exploration of the origins of everyday words. Full of funny stories and fascinating facts, Tom Read Wilson knows even the most ordinary-sounding word can have the most surprising story behind it!
Did you know, for instance, that:
The word bloomers comes from Amelia Bloomer, who was a womens rights activist and owner and editor of the first U.S. newspaper edited by and for women, who wanted to move more freely in her knickers?
Or that the word daisy comes from the Old English daeges eage, meaning days eye, because the petals of a daisy open at dawn and close at dusk?
The word easel comes from the Dutch word ezel, meaning donkey, because both are depenable and suitable for carrying a load?
Or that English nicknames for police officers, bobbies and peelers, both come from the names of Sir Robert Peel, British prime minister in the 1800s and creator of the first modern police force?
Each fascinating word is explored through a quirky, amusing story alongside the etymology, word origin and definition. Paired with beautiful, characterful illustrations by Ian Morris, Every Word Tells a Story is a perfect book for young wordsmiths, encouraging kids and adults alike to have fun whilst learning about language.