Draws on history, literature, and pop culture to explore the phrases that most embody the British character, tracing the linguistic influence of writers from Shakespeare to Wodehouse, and unraveling the complexity of the Kings English. The author of In Other Words draws on history, literature, pop culture and his own heritage to explore the phrases that most embody the British character, tracing the linguistic influence of writers from Chaucer to Shakespeare and Dickens to Wodehouse, and unraveling the baffling complexity of the Kings English. 25,000 first printing. The quintessential A to Z guide to British English-perfect for every egghead and bluestocking looking to conquer the language barrier Oscar Wilde once said the Brits have everything in common with America nowadays except, of course, language. Any visitor to Old Blighty can sympathize with Mr. Wilde. After all, even fluent English speakers can be at sixes and sevens when told to pick up the dog and bone or head to the loo, so they can spend a penny. Wherever did these peculiar expressions comefrom? British author Christopher J. Moore made a name for himself on this side of the pond with the sleeper success of his previous book, In Other Words. Now, Moore draws on history, literature, pop culture, and his own heritage to explore the phrases that most embody the British character. He traces the linguistic influence of writers from Chaucer to Shakespeare and Dickens to Wodehouse, and unravels the complexity Brits manage to imbue in seemingly innocuous phrases like All right. Along the way, Moore reveals the uniquely British origins of some of the English languages more curious sayings. For example: Who is Bob and how did he become your uncle? Why do we refer to powerless politicians as lame ducks? How did posh become such a stylish word Part language guide, part cultural study, How to Speak Brit is the perfect addition to every Anglophiles library and an entertaining primer that will charm the linguistic-minded legions. --
