Why is Q Always Followed by U?: Word-Perfect Answers to the Most Asked Questions About Language

by Michael Quinion

Long-time word-detective and bestselling author of "Port Out" and "Starboard Home", Michael Quinion brings us the answers to nearly two hundred of the most intriguing questions he's been asked about language over the years. Sent to him by enquiring readers from all around the globe, Michael's answers about the meanings and histories behind the quirky phrases, slang and language that we all use are set to delight, amuse and enlighten even the most hardened word-obsessive. Did you know that 'Blighty' comes from an ancient Arabic word? Or that Liberace cried his way to the bank so many times people think he came up with the phrase? That 'cloud nine' started out as 'cloud seven' in the speakeasies of '30s America? And that the first person to have their thunder stolen was a dismal playwright from Drury Lane? Michael Quinion's "Why is Q Always Followed By U?" is full of surprising discoveries, entertaining quotations and memorable information. There are plenty of colourful stories out there, but Michael Quinion will help you discover the truth that lies behind the cock-and-bull stories and make sure you're always linguistically on the ball.

Genres: Nonfiction, Language, Reference, Linguistics

368 pages, Hardcover

First published July 2, 2009

Reviews

[MJ Nicholls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Etymological trivia. Almost always illuminating and fine fodder for all logolepts needing a lexical lick.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while to read this book, primarily because real life got in the way!

This was a deeply fascinating look at common phrases and where they came from with examples of when they were first recorded on print. It's a great look into how the English language has evolved over the centuries.

And yes, we do discover why Q is always followed by U! 😀

[The Book Squirrel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an interesting look at the origins of English phrases and language quirks. I say "interesting", and it is, but it's also very dry and long-winded. I skimmed it, mostly, but wished the answers had been shorter and more to-the-point.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is probably only of interest to other "word-nerds" like me, who find it fascinating to learn where the many common sayings we all use came from and how they developed into common use. But I did find it fun.

If you've ever wondered things like: what's meant by: "the elephant in the room", where the term "Hullaballoo" came from, when and how the term "lobbyist" entered the vernacular, the origins of "mad as a hatter" [Hint: it's NOT because of Alice's adventures!], was there a real "Mickey Finn" who inspired the knockout drops that bear his name, or why we "nit-pick", then this is the book for you!

The author, who is a large contributor to the Oxford English Dictionary, and also runs his own language website, makes it his business to hunt down origins, competing usages, and the many great stories behind these words and phrases.

The book is organized in alphabetical order, listing the terms and phrases he receives the most inquiries about and explaining their origins. He has plenty of interesting stories to go along with the various terms, and this is a fun and easy read, which is recommended if you are a bit of a geek about language, or, if you've just always wondered where the terms "right as rain" or "three sheets to the wind" came from.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting to read about weird and funny expressions/words in the English language. As an English major myself I have wondered many times what particular words mean, and especially where they come from. Michael Quinion tries (because it's not always clear what the origin is) to explain the words/expressions to his readers in a very accessible way. A must-have for all English majors, but also for anyone who is slightly interested in the quirks of the English language.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book about the words and phrases you may or may not use. The author obviously reads sf/fantasy as a number of the quotes for present day usage appear from novels, Le Guin's Dispossessed and Tanya Huff's Smoke and (Shadows, I think).

[Émilie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable quick read about origins of colloquialisms - but heavy on the British sayings.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like this sort of book you'll love this particular one. Quinion is a joy to read.

Loved it.

[Declan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting in parts.