Sign-In
Cart
The Word on Words: Black-and-White Classroom Edition
Paperback
ISBN13: 9781463630546
Publisher: Createspace
Published: Jun 28 2011
Pages: 128
Weight: 0.59
Height: 0.27 Width: 7.99 Depth: 10.00
Language: English
Awarded Best of 2011 in Arts & Letters by Kirkus Review!
By special request, this BLACK-AND-WHITE Classroom Edition is now available. The cover is still COLOR.
KIRKUS REVIEW (posted in its entirety)
The English language gets pulled up by its roots for purposes of entertainment, enlightenment and vocabulary building in this sprightly linguistic romp.
The author, an English professor, introduces readers to some of the knottier words in the language through an approach that mixes analysis, history and lots of engaging anecdotes. His method is to seize on dusty old lexical roots, usually from Latin but also from Greek, Old English, Norse and French, and follow their branchings through the modern English words derived from them, with plenty of lore and intriguing digressions thrown in to make the pedagogy go down easy. He traces the Latin verb spectare (to watch), for example, through its many incarnations, from spectacle to expectant, while tossing in allusions to Shakespeare and Byron and an aside on the evolution of false eyes as defensive camouflage in the animal kingdom.
German takes a meandering path through the lexicon, always happy to wander off on oddball excursions to, say, palindromes (senile felines), spoonerisms (after Rev. Spooner, who reminded one bridegroom that it's kisstomary to cuss the bride), bizarre phobias (arachibutyrophobia, he says, is the fear of sticky peanut butter), lyrically named bird collectives (exaltations of larks, wisps of snipe and parliaments of owls), unsafe anagrams (rearrange mother-in-law and you get woman Hitler) and miscellaneous life lessons ([n]ever use a poly-syllabic Latin word where a one-syllable Anglo-Saxon word will do). Along the way, German defines over 1,500 big, troublesome words and reinforces reader retention with engaging exercises, including crossword puzzles and fill-in-the-blank quizzes that require one to insert the words aardvark, blasphemy, cremains, cyborg and eunuch into plausible sentences. It's a fun read that sparkles with photographs, bright colors and crazy-quilt fonts. But this smorgasbord is still a serious textbook-readers will gain not just a store of factoids, but a sharpened ability to analyze new words and a deeper appreciation for the history and beauty of the language.
Lively, informative and thoroughly beguiling.
*End of Review*
This is NOT your parents' vocabulary book. The Word on Words is a new kind of vocabulary book, combining learning and entertainment like no text you've ever read.
The Word on Words defines 1,500 words in the context of fascinating essays about art, history, literature, philosophy, pop culture, sports, mythology, and more. In addition to definitions, The Word on Words emphasizes the artistic and playful aspects of language-hence its subtitle, The Play of Language. As my wife says, You learn better if you have a smile on your face.
The book has five major focuses: vocabulary, etymology, mnemonic devices, usage, and the ludic or playful aspects of language. The Word on Words is ideal for those preparing for aptitude tests such as the SAT, ACT, and NTE. Great for GED study!
It's perfect, too, as a supplemental text in ESL classes directed towards those acquiring English as a second language. It's all in here: humorous explanations of palindromes, acronyms, anagrams, spoonerisms, malapropisms, portmanteau words and even false splitting-the way a napple transformed into an apple-in the context of revelatory essays about phobias, Mother's Day, the birds and the bees, Father's Day, the calendar, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the origins of first and last names, the days of the week, and the months of the year: all emphasized by entertaining end-of-chapter tests and crossword puzzles!
Also in
Test Prep
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (Pmbok(r) Guide) -- Eighth Edition and the Standard for Project Management
Project Management Institute
Paperback
Much ADO about Nothing: No Fear Shakespeare Side-By-Side Plain English
Sparknotes
Shakespeare, William
Paperback
2026/2027 ASVAB for Dummies: Book + 7 Practice Tests, Flashcards, and Videos Online
Papple Johnston, Angie
Paperback
Twelfth Night: No Fear Shakespeare Side-By-Side Plain English
Shakespeare, William
Sparknotes
Paperback
Princeton Review GED Test Premium Prep, 32nd Edition: 1,525+ Practice Questions Including 4 Practice Tests + Content Review + Online Resources
The Princeton Review
Paperback
The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2027: Billions of Dollars in Scholarships, Grants and Prizes
Tanabe, Kelly
Tanabe, Gen
Paperback
Romeo and Juliet: No Fear Shakespeare Side-By-Side Plain English
Sparknotes
Shakespeare, William
Paperback
Princeton Review SAT Premium Prep, 2027: 6 Full-Length Practice Tests (3 in Book + 3 Adaptive Tests Online) + Online Flashcards + Review & Tools
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Princeton Review SAT Prep, 2027: 4 Full-Length Practice Tests (2 in Book + 2 Adaptive Tests Online) + Review + Online Tools
The Princeton Review
Paperback
GED Test Prep 2027 / 2028 for Dummies: Book + 3 Practice Tests & Flashcards Online
Collins, Tim
Paperback
Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep, 37th Edition: 6 Practice Tests + Review & Techniques + Online Tools
The Princeton Review
Paperback
ASVAB Study Guide Premium, Fourteenth: 7 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's Test Prep)
Duran, Terry L.
Paperback
5 Steps to a 5: AP Physics 1 2027: Practice AP Tests + AP Content Review + Digital Exams
Jacobs, Greg
Paperback
Princeton Review LSAT Premium Prep, 31st Edition: 2 Official LSAT Preptests + Real LSAT Drills + Review for the New Exam
The Princeton Review
Paperback
The GED Tutor Study Guide 2025-2026 All Subjects: 4 Practice Tests and GED Prep Book [7th Edition]
Morrison, Lydia
Paperback
As You Like It: No Fear Shakespeare Side-By-Side Plain English
Sparknotes
Shakespeare, William
Paperback
AP Calculus Premium, 2027: Prep Book with 12 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's AP Prep)
Donovan, Dennis, M. S.
Bock, David
Hockett, Shirley O.
Paperback
Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning
Brown, Peter C.
McDaniel, Mark A.
Roediger, Henry L.
Hardcover
Toefl, IBT Premium, Nineteenth Edition: Prep Book with 10 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Audio (2026)
Sharpe, Pamela J., PH. D.
Paperback
7 Practice Tests for the Sat, 2027: In-Book + Online Practice Tests for Your Top Score
The Princeton Review
Paperback
AP Psychology Premium, 2027: Prep Book with 4 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice
McEntarffer, Robert, PH. D.
Weseley, Allyson J., Ed D.
Paperback
Digital SAT Prep 2027/2028 for Dummies: Book + 4 Full-Length Practice Tests & Flashcards Online
Woldoff, Ron
Hatch, Lisa Zimmer
Paperback
ACT Study Guide Premium, 2027: 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice for the New Enhanced ACT
Stewart, Brian, M. Ed
Paperback
Princeton Review AP Chemistry Premium Prep, 28th Edition: 7 Practice Tests + Digital Practice Online + Content Review
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Princeton Review AP Calculus AB Premium Prep, 13th Edition: 8 Practice Tests + Digital Practice Online + Content Review
The Princeton Review
Khan, David
Paperback
McGraw-Hill Education Preparacion Para El Examen de Ged, Tercera Edicion
McGraw Hill México
Paperback
AP Chemistry Premium, 2027: Prep Book with 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice
Jespersen, Neil D., PH. D.
Kerrigan, Pamela, PH. D.
Paperback
Princeton Review AP U.S. Government & Politics Premium Prep, 25th Edition: 6 Practice Tests + Digital Practice Online + Content Review
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Princeton Review GMAT Premium Prep, 36th Edition: 3 Full-Length Cat Practice Exams + 2 Diagnostic Tests + Complete Content Review
The Princeton Review
Paperback
AP Precalculus Premium, 2027: Prep Book with 3 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's AP Prep)
Pawlowski-Polanish, Christina
Paperback
Princeton Review AP U.S. History Premium Prep, 26th Edition: 6 Practice Tests + Digital Practice Online + Content Review
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Princeton Review Psat/NMSQT Prep, 2026: 3 Practice Tests + Review + Online Tools for the Digital PSAT
The Princeton Review
Paperback
AP Environmental Science Premium, 2027: Prep Book with 5 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice
Thorpe, Gary S., M. S.
Paperback
Julius Caesar: No Fear Shakespeare Side-By-Side Plain English
Shakespeare, William
Sparknotes
Paperback
AP Statistics Premium, 2027: 9 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice
Sternstein, Martin, PH. D.
Paperback
Princeton Review AP World History: Modern Premium Prep, 8th Edition: 6 Practice Tests + Digital Practice Online + Content Review
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Princeton Review Enhanced ACT Prep, 2027: 5 Practice Tests + Content Review + Strategies
The Princeton Review
Paperback
A Midsummer Night's Dream: No Fear Shakespeare Side-By-Side Plain English
Sparknotes
Shakespeare, William
Paperback
AP U.S. History Premium, 2027: 5 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice
Resnick, Eugene V., M. a.
Paperback
Nursing School Entrance Exams Prep: Your All-In-One Guide to the Kaplan and Hesi Exams
Kaplan Nursing
Paperback
Aprender inglés para adultos principiantes: 7 libros en 1: ¡Habla inglés en 30 días!
Towin, Explore
Paperback
How to Take Smart Notes: One Simple Technique to Boost Writing, Learning and Thinking
Ahrens, Sönke
Paperback
Princeton Review AP Physics 1 Premium Prep, 13th Edition: 5 Practice Tests + Digital Practice Online + Content Review
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Psat/NMSQT Study Guide Premium 2027: 2 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + 200 Online Drills
Stewart, Brian W., M. Ed
Paperback
Seberson Method: New Sat(r) Vocabulary Workbook: Over 700 High-Frequency Words to Master
Seberson, Katya
Paperback
Princeton Review AP Biology Premium Prep, 29th Edition: 6 Practice Tests + Digital Practice Online + Content Review
The Princeton Review
Paperback
AP Computer Science Principles Premium, 2027: 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice
Reichelson, Seth
Paperback
AP World History: Modern Premium, 2027: Prep Book with 5 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice
McCannon, John, PH. D.
Paperback
How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay: 30 Essays That Won Over $3 Million in Scholarships
Tanabe, Gen
Tanabe, Kelly
Paperback
Learn to Read Activity Book: 101 Fun Phonics Lessons to Teach Your Child to Read
Braun, Hannah, M. Ed
Paperback
AP English Language and Composition Premium, 2027: Prep Book with 8 Practice Tests + Online Practice
Schanhals, Michael
Paperback
Cornell Notes Notebook: Note Taking System, For Students, Writers, Meetings, Lectures Large Size 8.5 x 11 (21.59 x 27.94 cm), Durable Matte Pu
Creatives, Cricket Creek
Paperback
Princeton Review AP English Language & Composition Premium Prep, 21st Edition: 8 Practice Tests + Digital Practice Online + Content Review
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Princeton Review AP Psychology Premium Prep, 24th Edition: 5 Practice Tests + Digital Practice Online + Content Review
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Get Into Any College: The Insider's Guide to Getting Into a Top College
Tanabe, Kelly
Tanabe, Gen
Paperback
AP English Literature and Composition Premium, 2027: Prep Book with 8 Practice Tests + Online Practice
Schanhals, Michael
Paperback
AP U.S. Government and Politics Premium, 2027: Prep Book with 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron's AP Prep)
Lader, Curt, M. S. Ed
Paperback
Amsco Writing for the Ap(r) Exam: English Language and Composition - Student Edition Softcover
Abdon, Brandon
Hardcover
5 Steps to a 5: AP World History 2027: Practice AP Tests + AP Content Review + Digital Exams
McGraw Hill
Paperback
GMAT Official Guide 2026 - 2027: Book + Online Question Bank
Gmac (Graduate Management Admission Council)
Paperback
Handwriting Practice Book for Kids Ages 6-8: Printing workbook for Grades 1, 2 & 3, Learn to Trace Alphabet Letters and Numbers 1-100, Sight Words, 10
Lalgudi, Sujatha
Hippidoo
Paperback
5 Steps to a 5: AP Chemistry 2027: Practice AP Tests + AP Content Review + Digital Exams
Moore, John T.
Paperback
AP Computer Science a Premium, 13th Edition: Prep Book with 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (2026)
Carman, Chris
Teukolsky, Roselyn, M. S.
Paperback
The Vocabulary Builder Workbook: Simple Lessons and Activities to Teach Yourself Over 1,400 Must-Know Words
Magoosh
Lele, Chris
Paperback
AP Physics 1 Premium, 2027: Prep Book with 4 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice
Wolf, Jonathan, M. a. Ed M.
Rideout, Kenneth, M. S.
Paperback
5 Steps to a 5: AP Macroeconomics 2027: Practice AP Tests + AP Content Review + Digital Exams
Dodge, Eric R.
Paperback
5 Steps to a 5: AP U.S. Government and Politics 2027: Practice AP Tests + AP Content Review + Digital Exams
Lamb, Pamela K.
Paperback
WorkKeys Study Guide and Practice Test Questions: ACT WorkKeys Exam Prep and Review Book with Applied Mathematics, Locating Information, and Reading f
Trivium Exam Prep Team
Paperback
Princeton Review Psat/NMSQT Prep, 2027: 3 Practice Tests + Review + Online Tools for the Digital PSAT
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Princeton Review AP Calculus BC Premium Prep, 13th Edition: 5 Practice Tests + Digital Practice Online + Content Review
The Princeton Review
Khan, David
Paperback
5 Steps to a 5: AP Environmental Science 2027: Practice AP Tests + AP Content Review + Digital Exams
Mayer, Courtney
Paperback
5 Steps to a 5: AP English Language and Composition 2027: Practice AP Tests + AP Content Review + Digital Exams
Murphy, Barbara
Paperback
5 Steps to a 5: 500 AP World History: Modern Questions to Know by Test Day, Fourth Edition
McManamon, Sean M.
Paperback
CDL - Commercial Driver's License Exam, 2026-2027: Complete Prep for the Truck & Bus Driver's License Exams
Mosher, Matt
Paperback
AP Human Geography Premium, 2027: Prep Book with 6 Practice Tests+ Comprehensive Review + Online Practice
Alagona, Peter S.
Marsh, Meredith, PH. D.
Paperback
Sie Exam 2027/2028 for Dummies (Securities Industry Essentials Exam Prep + Practice Tests & Flashcards Online)
Rice, Steven M.
Paperback
TOEFL IBT Premium Plus 2027: With 4 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Audio
Kaplan Test Prep
Paperback
Princeton Review AP Human Geography Premium Prep, 18th Edition: 6 Practice Tests + Digital Practice Online + Content Review
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Nclex-RN Prep, Twenty-Sixth Edition (2026): Includes 1 Full Length Practice Test + Proven Strategies
Kaplan Nursing
Paperback
Princeton Review AP European History Premium Prep, 25th Edition: 6 Practice Tests + Digital Practice Online + Content Review
The Princeton Review
Paperback
5 Steps to a 5: AP Microeconomics 2027: Practice AP Tests + AP Content Review + Digital Exams
Dodge, Eric R.
Paperback
High-Wing Aircraft Visualized Flight Maneuvers Manual: For Pilots in Training
ASA Test Prep Board
Paperback
5 Steps to a 5: AP Biology 2027: Practice AP Tests + AP Content Review + Digital Exams
Burris, Kelcey
Anestis, Mark
Paperback
Princeton Review Enhanced ACT Premium Prep, 2026: 6 Practice Tests + Content Review + Strategies
The Princeton Review
Paperback
RHCSA Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10: Training and Exam Preparation Guide (EX200), Fourth Edition
Ghori, Asghar
Paperback
Princeton Review Enhanced ACT Prep, 2026: 4 Practice Tests + Content Review + Strategies
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Spelling High School Grades 9-10: Vocabulary and Writing Practice with Interactive Activities
Attard, Natasha
Paperback
Princeton Review AP English Literature & Composition Premium Prep, 27th Edition: 6 Practice Tests + Digital Practice Online + Content Review
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Princeton Review AP Statistics Premium Prep, 22nd Edition: 5 Practice Tests + Digital Practice Online + Content Review
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Princeton Review Enhanced ACT Premium Prep, 2027: 7 Practice Tests + Content Review + Strategies
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Princeton Review LSAT Premium Prep, 30th Edition: 2 Official LSAT Preptests + Real LSAT Drills + Review for the New Exam
The Princeton Review
Paperback
The Taming of the Shrew: No Fear Shakespeare Side-By-Side Plain English
Shakespeare, William
Sparknotes
Paperback
English Made Easy Volume One: A New ESL Approach: Learning English Through Pictures (Free Online Audio)
Koster, Pieter
Crichton, Jonathan
Paperback
5 Steps to a 5: AP English Literature and Composition 2027: Practice AP Tests + AP Content Review + Digital Exams
Hartnett, Michael
Paperback
Hamlet: No Fear Shakespeare Deluxe Student Editions - Shakespeare Side-By-Side Plain English
Shakespeare, William
Sparknotes
Paperback
Romeo and Juliet: No Fear Shakespeare Deluxe Student Editions - Shakespeare Side-By-Side Plain English
Sparknotes
Shakespeare, William
Paperback
Macbeth: No Fear Shakespeare Deluxe Student Editions - Shakespeare Side-By-Side Plain English
Sparknotes
Shakespeare, William
Paperback
GMAT Official Guide 2026-2027 Bundle: Books + Online Question Bank
Gmac (Graduate Management Admission Council)
Paperback
AP European History Premium, Fifteenth Edition: Prep Book with 5 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (2027)
Roberts, Seth A., M. a.
Paperback
New York City Shsat Prep 2026: 3 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Review
Kaplan Test Prep
Paperback
AP Music Theory Premium, Fifth Edition: Prep Book with 2 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Audio
Scoggin, Nancy Fuller
Paperback
ATI TEAS 7th Edition 2026-2027 Exam Prep: 2500+ Practice Questions (15 Tests) and TEAS 7 Study Guide
Hettinger, B.
Paperback
Princeton Review ISEE Prep, 2nd Edition: 3 Practice Tests + Review & Techniques + Drills
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Princeton Review AP Environmental Science Premium Prep, 21st Edition: 5 Practice Tests + Digital Practice Online + Content Review
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Graph Paper Notebook 1/4 inch squares: Graph Paper Composition Book For Children and Women 8 x 10 inch, 122 Pages
Warren, Leann S.
Paperback
College Readiness 101: A College & Career Workbook for the High School Freshman
Jones, Brannon
Paperback
EMT Exam Prep, Eighth Edition: Focused Prep for the Nremt Cognitive Exam + One Full Length Practice Test (2026)
Kaplan Medical
Paperback
The Only Academic Phrasebook You'll Ever Need: 600 Examples of Academic Language
Barros, Luiz Otavio
Paperback
The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2026: Billions of Dollars in Scholarships, Grants and Prizes
Tanabe, Gen
Tanabe, Kelly
Paperback
Far/Aim 2027: Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)/Aviation Supplies & Ac
Paperback
1100 Words You Need to Know + Online Practice: Build Your Vocabulary in Just 15 Minutes a Day!
Bromberg, Murray
Gordon, Melvin
Carriero, Rich
Paperback
6 Practice Tests for the Digital Sat, 2026: In-Book + Online Practice Tests for Your Top Score
The Princeton Review
Paperback
Spanish for Medical Professionals: Essential Spanish Terms and Phrases for Healthcare Providers
My Daily Spanish
Paperback
The Mystery of Nils. Part 1 - Norwegian Course for Beginners. Learn Norwegian - Enjoy the Story.
Skalla, Werner
Paperback