All in a Word: 100 Delightful Excursions into the Uses and Abuses of Words

by Vivian Cook

Delve into the hidden nature of words: 
An irresistible mix of information, curiosity, and fun 

Linguist Vivian Cook takes us on a brilliant series of excursions into the history and meaning of words: How do we learn words as a child? How are words born, and why do they die? Why do some never get spoken, and others never written? Each chapter is charmingly illustrated—and accompanied by a rich assortment of games, lists, puzzles, and quotes. From polite words to crass words, from p-c words to Shakespeare’s words, from food and wine words to jazz and drug words—the book is an exciting exploration into the abundance and variety of words.

Genres: Nonfiction, Language, Linguistics, Reference

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2009

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Vivian Cook is Emeritus Professor of Applied Linguistics at Newcastle University, UK. He is known for his work on second language acquisition, particularly for the concept of multi-competence, and has written technical textbooks and popular books on areas of linguistics ranging from intonation to first language acquisition to spelling.

Reviews

[Priya · Rating 3 out of 5]

So here's the thing, this was fun. And I learnt a dew things I didn't know. But I'm not the sort to sit here with an answer key attempting all the many questions he's asked. So I guess that element/gimmick didn't work so well on me. I think this book would make a good gift though.

[Beka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expectedly a mixed bag, but there were a lot of interesting language tidbits in here. A great read for word nerds like me!

[Mugren Ohaly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is basically just a list of words and the context in which they’re used.

[cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

2011 Book 45/100

Not a book to be picked up and read, but more in the vein of a book of crosswords or sudoko, to be worked over the course of several weeks. Preferably weeks spent lounging in a chaise in front of the ocean, but if that is not an option, I found that it also worked to keep me busy at Dr. appointments and while waiting for an oil change. Sigh. My favorites were the 'how many words do you know' tests that asked you to fill in the blanks with words that then categorize approximately how many words in the english language you probably know. The book also helped me to identify the fact that I am a Dialect B speaker of pig latin (I don't understand those darn Dialect A folks who only move the 'b' in blue, thereby producing 'luebay' rather than the Dialect A-appropriate (and correct!) 'ueblay', for example. There were some real missteps in this books as well (definitely skip the section titled 'can you talk black') that leave me feeling less than fully laudatory, but overall it was a fun way to spend some time with words.

[Richard Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Words, words, words" ("Hamlet" II.ii.192). Hamlet was right. It's all about words. Consisting of 114 entries, Vivian Cook examines the wonder of words. In order to inform, the writer discusses "...the different aspects of words ranging from their forms...their meanings...their roles...(and their) history. (The book) consists of a variety of pieces, some short, some long, some serious, some frivolous (which) can either be dipped into or read consecutively. Similar topics...are clustered together....An Index of themes is given...to help the reader follow different paths through the book." (Introduction, page 3) All in all, a most enjoyable read.

[Katie Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. Not entirely applicable to an American English speaker, but still an entertaining and informative read.

[Tampines House]

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