Bagels, Bumf, and Buses: A Day in the Life of the English Language

Everyday words have interesting histories, Simon Horobin explores how they came to be in his book "The Language of Everyday Life".

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 14 November 2019
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press
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Where do our everyday words come from? The bagel you eat for breakfast, the bumf you have to wade through at the office, and the bus that takes you home again: we use these words without thinking about their origins or how their meanings have changed over time. Simon Horobin takes the reader on a journey through a typical day, showing how the words we use to describe routine activities - getting up, going to work, eating meals - have surprisingly fascinating histories.

The bagel you eat for breakfast, the bumf you have to wade through at the office, and the bus that takes you home again: we use these words without thinking about their origins or how their meanings have changed over time. Simon Horobin takes the reader on a journey through a typical day, showing how the words we use to describe routine activities - getting up, going to work, eating meals - have surprisingly fascinating histories.

The origins of many of the words we use in our everyday language can be traced back centuries. For example, the word "bagel" comes from the Yiddish word "beigel," which means "ring" or "bracelet." The word "bumf" is thought to have originated in the Middle English word "bume," which meant "stuff" or "clutter." And the word "bus" comes from the Latin word "bus," which meant "carriage."

Over time, these words have evolved and changed their meanings. For example, the word "bagel" originally referred to a type of bread that was shaped like a ring. However, in the 19th century, it was adopted by Jewish immigrants in the United States and began to be used to describe a bread that was dense and chewy. The word "bumf" has also changed its meaning over time. Originally, it was used to refer to any kind of paperwork or information. However, in the 20th century, it began to be used specifically to refer to the overwhelming amount of information that is often encountered in the modern workplace.

Despite these changes, many of the words we use today still have their original meanings. For example, the word "bagel" still refers to a type of bread that is shaped like a ring. And the word "bumf" still refers to any kind of paperwork or information. These words have become part of our language and are used by millions of people around the world every day. They are a testament to the power of language and the way that it can evolve and change over time.

In conclusion, the origins and evolution of our everyday words are fascinating. They show us how language can change and adapt over time, and how it can reflect the changing world around us. By understanding the history of our language, we can better appreciate the words we use and the way that they shape our communication.

\n Weight: 364g\n
Dimension: 219 x 140 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780198832270\n \n