This is wonderful! Although I doubt whether you'll be able to come up with an etymology for Hoosier. Michael J. C. Drout says that the word "daughter" comes from a word that means "little milker." Maybe you'll get to that in the Ds. My favorite dictionary is still Bierce's (speaking of cynic). Backed. Steve Wylder See You in Chicago

[QUOTE] This is funny, well-written, intelligent without being pretentious and engaging without being too chatty. A fine balance to strike. [ENDQUOTE] Thanks for your comments, Claire. Would you like me to read your work?

This is funny, well-written, intelligent without being pretentious and engaging without being too chatty. A fine balance to strike.

I think you should change your name to Samuel Johnston since you are creating a modern dictionary in the same way he created the boring one still used today. I like yours a lot better. Shelved. Later days. Love and Fear: The Diary of Oliver Lee Kenny

I respect anyone with an interest in etymology and the wonderful English language and by Jove you sure as hell have a curiosity for this sphere of knowledge. This is really fascinating stuff and once I get back from work I'll continue reading all the words. I know there's a phrase set up to discourage me from doing this but I judged your book on its cover and the verdict wasn't good. You need to ask a certain authonomite called Bradley Wind for a new cover. He's the master. Anyway, this was an intriguing read that needs to see the light of my shelf.

[QUOTE] This is absolutely fascinating stuff, I love books like this. I could while away the hours with the occasional, 'Ahhh!' and, 'Ohh?' learning the many different ways out language has evolved. This is a no brainer when it comes to backing, and should be a similar know brainer when it comes to being published. Seven thumbs up out of a possible five. Andrew [ENDQUOTE] thanks Andyroo, much appreciated. I'll have a read of your work as well. Marc

This is absolutely fascinating stuff, I love books like this. I could while away the hours with the occasional, 'Ahhh!' and, 'Ohh?' learning the many different ways out language has evolved. This is a no brainer when it comes to backing, and should be a similar know brainer when it comes to being published. Seven thumbs up out of a possible five. Andrew

Marc, Wow, this is fascinating stuff, all great conversation starters. I'll never eat avocados again. How in the world did you find all this information? I have always been fascinated by words and their origins. After studying several translations of the Bible, I learned the biggest problem is that the meaning of words changes over long periods of time. Thank you for doing all this research for the rest of us who deal in words. Steve Ward Test Pilot's Daughter: Revenge

Fun concept and execution. (eg I love delving into Mrs Byrne's Unusual Obscure & Preposterous Words). My only reservation is the first chapter which for me was a bit too didactic: I wanted something off-the-wall. Have you got up to Z yet? Happy to back this. I wonder what sort of cover would suit this one.