The Oxford Dictionary of Foreign Words and Phrases - Softcover

This dictionary uncovers the origins of over 8000 foreign words and phrases which are in general circulation in late 20-century English, including words from a wide variety of different languages, e.g. Aboriginal, Afrikaans, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindustani, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Malay, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish. Entries are browsable, but also comprehensive, with detailed information on each word or phrase, including any alternative spellings, the date of the word's introduction into English, its language of origin and original spelling (if different), its definition, cross-references to other relevant entries, and notes on usage and other points of interest. Quotations throughout illustrate the way in which words are used in today's English. Words discussed include: aborigine, a capella, bagel, bar mitzvah, batik, Beaujolais nouveau, bongo bonsai, brahman, fandango, fatwa, faux pas, fracas, futon, intifada, jojoba, nouvelle cuisine, and pot pourri.

About the Editor: Jennifer Speake is an experienced editor of reference books, including The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (with John Simpson).