If you have ever been bamboozled by the use of a foreign word or phrase, or simply want to spice up your vocabulary with some well-chosen bons mots, then this is the book for you. Thousands of foreign words and phrases have been absorbed into the language and are currently used in English, from the everyday (macho, tete-a-tete, spaghetti) to the relatively obscure (ultra vires, auto-da-fe). Faux Pas focuses on familiar terms and expressions as well as those that are new, curious or amusing. Each expression is 'translated', with an indication of its language of origin and pronunciation, a comment on its usefulness and a Pretentiousness Index.

If you have ever been bamboozled by the use of a foreign word or phrase, or simply want to spice up your vocabulary with some well-chosen bons mots, then this is the book for you.

About the Author
Philip Gooden read English at Magdalen College, Oxford, and then taught at secondary level for many years. He is now a fulltime writer.


Book Information
ISBN 9780713674972
Author Bloomsbury Publishing
Format Hardback
Page Count 340
Imprint A & C Black Publishers Ltd
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 380g