The Etymologicon: A Circular Stroll Through the Hidden Connections of the English Language

DoYouKnowWhy......AMortgageIsLiterallyADeathPledge?...WhyGunsHaveGirls'Names?...WhySaltIsRelatedToSoldier?You'ReAboutToFindOut...TheEtymologicon(E-T?-'Ma-La-Ji-Kan)Is:*Witty(Wi-Te):FullOfCleverHumor*Erudite(Er-?-Dit):ShowingKnowledge*Ribald(Ri-B?Ld):Crude,Offensive"TheEtymologicon"IsACompletelyUnauthorizedGuideToTheStrangeUnderpinningsOfTheEnglishLanguage.ItExplains:HowYouGetFrom"Gruntled"To"Disgruntled";WhyYouAreAbsolutelyRightToBelieveThatYourMeagerSalaryBarelyCovers"MoneyForSalt";HowTheBiggestChainOfCoffeeShopsInTheWorld(Hint:Seattle)ConnectsToWhalingInNantucket;AndWhatPreciselyTheRollingStonesHaveToDoWithGardening.