Get ready to chew the fat. This engaging, humorous new book explains the not-so-common origins of such commonly used phrases as “apple-pie order,” “chew the fat,” and “hat trick.” Presented in a fun, easy-to-read style, it provides entertaining insight on metaphorical phrases, weird words, and strange expressions and takes readers on a journey through the bizarre and eccentric origins that make up our everyday speech. • Word books have gained in popularity not just with students and linguaphiles, but with a general population interested in the fascinating development of our language. • Contains back stories for 500 intriguing words and phrases. • Fun to flip through and also fun to read cover to cover.

Uncle John is back with the 36th annual Bathroom Reader, an all-new collection of entertaining articles that explore the weird and wonderful world we live in. In this 36th edition of Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader, longtime fans and new readers alike will be astounded by a treasure trove of wonderfully weird (and true!) stories that explore the realms of pop culture, history, sports, science, and everyday folks, including the always popular misadventures of dumb crooks. Uncle John and his team at the Bathroom Readers’ Institute have reached into all corners of the world to bring you this all-new collection of entertaining and informative articles that include short reads for a quick trip to the throne room as well as longer page-turners for when you take an extended visit. You’ll also find a plethora of amusing lists, odd factoids, quotes, and quizzes that will tickle every trivia enthusiast’s fancy.

Defines over 1,000 words in subject areas such as people, computers, business, law, culture, and government, as well as foreign terms and new words.

You're no idiot, of course. You know how to tap out an email to your boss, scrawl a note to your sweetheart, even throw in an extra flourish when you sign a greeting card. But when it comes to really writing that excruciating process of transferring your thoughts to paper without inventing some strange new language well, let's just say you think you lack the write stuff. The written word was a great achievement in human history; don't give up on it just yet! 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Well' is the writing book you've been waiting for everything you need to know to make writing of any kind as easy as thinking or speaking. In this 'Complete Idiot's' Guide, you'll get : -Expert advice on making your writing as clear, persuasive and painless as possible, whether it's a thank-you note, a school paper, or an executive briefing. Easy-to-follow guidelines on a structure, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary and style. No-nonsense advice on figuring out the three hardest parts of any writing: the beginning, middle and end.

You're no idiot, of course. You know the difference between a verb and a noun, know "adios" means good-bye, and can even order margaritas with just the right flair. But when it comes to mastering a language, all you can do is order the "taco grande." Don't rip up that menu just yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Learning Spanish on Your Own, Second Edition makes learning the language fun and easy. Whether you're planning a vacation or a business trip, this new edition adds new phrases and vocabulary words to help you gain confidence in speaking Spanish. In this fully revised and updated edition, you get:

Quick and easy lessons in Italian grammar, vocabulary, and idioms.

It’ll ____ like hotcakes! The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Crossword Puzzles and Word Gamesis designed for every puzzler, from novice to expert. Nationally known expert Matt Gaffney has crafted 150 crossword puzzles and exercises, not only to entertain readers, but also to improve their skills. With his unique feature of annotated solved grids that explain the process of how to solve the clues and complete the puzzle, it is destined to become a classic. -More than 150 crossword puzzles, exercises, and other word games -Unique feature of annotated solutions to increase the reader’s solving power -Comprehensive word lists -Nationally published crossword puzzle expert