Let's Talk Turkey (The Stories Behind America's Favorite Expressions)

Ever wonder what going on the wagon has to do with drinking? Why does extreme behavior take the cake? And did Americans’ pocket change ever really include wooden nickels? Many of our most intriguing expressions grew out of once-familiar bits of American culture, the roots of which are now obscure. Respected linguist Rosemarie Ostler demystifies over 150 of these colorful homegrown figures of speech. She traces each saying from its first known appearance in print to its place in modern English, uncovering a host of cultural and historical tidbits along the way.

Homegrown metaphors sprang up on American soil almost as fast as the colonists’ first bean crop. Just as they learned new farming skills and adjusted to an unfamiliar diet, they shaped their language to fit their new situation. Expressions like to play possum and bury the hatchet are uniquely American — they would hardly have made sense in the old country, where possums didn’t exist and where hatchets were used only for splitting firewood. Ostler explains the rich history of figures of speech that grew out of the landscape and culture of North America.

Much more than a list of phrases and definitions, Let’s Talk Turkey is a lively and enjoyable exploration of how Americans developed their own inimitable style of speech. Expressions are arranged by cultural categories. These include some of our most bountiful sources for metaphor — the great outdoors, business, entertainment, politics, cops and robbers, food and drink, and doing chores. The thoroughly researched entries reveal the latest etymological discoveries, along with charming and illustrative quotes.

This entertaining, amusing, and very informative reference book is sure to captivate language lovers of all ages, as well as anyone fascinated with the byways and back roads of American lore.

This book title, Let's Talk Turkey (The Stories Behind America's Favorite Expressions), ISBN: 9781591026259, by Rosemarie Ostler, published by Prometheus Books (June 1, 2008) is available in paperback. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.

Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer Let's Talk Turkey (The Stories Behind America's Favorite Expressions) books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.

Prefer to work with a human being when you order Let's Talk Turkey (The Stories Behind America's Favorite Expressions) books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!