Please note: In order to keep Hive up to date and provide users with the best features, we are no longer able to fully support Internet Explorer. The site is still available to you, however some sections of the site may appear broken. We would encourage you to move to a more modern browser like Firefox, Edge or Chrome in order to experience the site fully.

The Real McCoy and 149 other Eponyms, Hardback Book

The Real McCoy and 149 other Eponyms Hardback

Hardback

Description

The English language is rich with eponyms - words that are named after an individual - some better known than others.

This book features 150 of the most interesting and enlightening specimens, delving into the origins of the words and describing the fascinating people after whom they were named. Eponyms are derived from numerous sources. Some are named in honour of a style icon, inventor or explorer, such as pompadour, Kalashnikov and Cadillac.

Others have their roots in Greek or Roman mythology, such as panic and tantalise.

A number of eponyms, however, are far from celebratory and were created to indicate a rather less positive association - into this category can be filed boycott, Molotov cocktail and sadist. Encompassing eponyms from medicine, botany, invention, science, fashion, food and literature, this book uncovers the intriguing tales of discovery, mythology, innovation and infamy behind the eponyms we use every day.

The perfect addition to any wordsmith's bookshelf.

Information

£9.99

 
Free Home Delivery

on all orders

 
Pick up orders

from local bookshops

Information