"This is an enlightening and accessible guide to some of the many thousands of intriguing anecdotes that form the most colourful part of the history of the English Language - the story of where, over centuries of migration, trade and conquest, our words actually come from. Where else could you learn that the word 'aardvark' comes from the Afrikaans for 'earth pig' , or unravel the origins of that most mysterious greeting 'hello'? In a fascinating blend of scholarship and informative entertainment, Fred Sedgwick explores our linguistic heritage with delightfully humorous and intriguing results, in this marvellous treasure trove of etymological curiosity" - GoodBook Guide

Did you know that 'aardvark' comes from the South African for 'earth pig'? Or that 'assassin' actually comes from the Arabic for 'smoker of hashish'? This book explains why 'bungalow' comes from Hindi and what exactly 'hello' is short for. It is an invaluable guide to the fascinating origins of everyday words.

There are literally tens of thousands of English words with entertaining and engaging stories behind them. Tackling the topic in an anecdotal and yet thorough manner, Fred Sedgwick's pithy, interesting, upbeat and approachable Where Words Come From is the etymological dictionary for everyone, a book to inspire wonder, debate and laughter.