Macmillan Dictionary of Contemporary Phrase and Fa - Softcover

From the 'beautiful game' to 'zombie', this classic work of reference explores the origin and meaning of a vast range of words, phrases and events that have come into use in the English language over the past century.

An indispensable reference book, reflecting the life and language of the past 100 yearsFrom the beautiful game to zombie, this classic work of reference explores the origin and meaning of a vast range of words, phrases and events that have come into use in the English language over the past century. Over 8000 entries cover slang terms, acronyms, idioms, catchphrases, quotations and new expressions and supply the detail on words from both sides of the Atlantic as well as from elsewhere in the English-speaking world, including the linguistic changes associated with new technology. And in a century rich in mythology, the dictionary catalogues the happenings and personages that have become our modern 'fables', from Lord Haw-Haw and El Nino to the Lewinsky affair and Harry Potter.. Backed with a wealth of quotation and anecdote, it is a major source of information on 20th century life and culture, and a delight to browse through.