What Made The Crocodile Cry?

101 questions about the English language

Susie Dent

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Paperback

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English

Oxford University Press
04 January 2010

Language: history & general works; Reference; Gift books

The Blackout Crew have a song with the title 'Put a donk on it' - but what is a 'donk'? Which ending came first: '-ise' or '-ize'? Where does the idea of a 'white elephant' come from? Who decides on the collective noun for something? And what is it that made the crocodile cry?

Sparkling with insight and linguistic curiosity, this delightful compendium answers 101 of the most intriguing questions about the English language, from word origins and spelling to grammar and usage. Irresistible to anyone with an interest in the words around them.

Supported by Oxford's celebrated dictionary research programme, Susie Dent tackles these and many other fascinating questions in this wonderfully accessible and endlessly entertaining exploration of the English language.

By: Susie Dent
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 196mm, Width: 130mm, Spine: 13mm
Weight: 168g
ISBN: 9780199574155
ISBN 10: 0199574154
Pages: 176
Publication Date: 04 January 2010
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active