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I Didn't Know That: From "Ants in the Pants" to "Wet Behind the Ears"--the Unusual Origins of the Things We Say

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By: Karlen Evins
(4 customer reviews)
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EDITORIAL REVIEW

Every common expression has a history, and it's often not what one would expect. I Didn't Know That offers a lighthearted yet enlightening look at the unusual origins of hundreds of words and sayings that pepper our language. From "ants in the pants" (a questionable old English home remedy) to the "whole nine yards" (which has nothing to do with lengths of fabric), here are the surprising and often amusing stories behind the phrases we use every day.

Karlen Evins fills in the background of these words and phrases and many more in fun, fascinating stories. If you've ever caught yourself wondering just how we came to say such curious things as "dressed to the nines" and "nincompoop," this clever little book will have you smiling and saying, "I Didn't Know That!"

PRODUCT DETAILS

Publisher: Scribner
Pub. Date: 15th May 2007
Catalog: Book
Media: Paperback
Number Of Pages: 176
Ean: 9781416532385
Isbn: 1416532382

ABOUT THIS BOOK

USER REVIEWS

Dressed to the Nines
~ Written on Feb 18, 2008. out of users found this review helpful.

I thought this was a worthy companion to some of my other books on pop culture and aphorisms. It is a little short but contains a lot of well known and popular catchphrases. This book will give you plenty of "a-ha" moments. Well researched and clearly written. Buy this book. You won't be disappointed.

Great gift
~ Written on Jan 9, 2008. out of users found this review helpful.

What a great gift! I set it out on the living room table and what a conversation starter. I loved it so much, I gave it out as gifts during the Holidays.

What a hit!!!

I like Karlen Evins
~ Written on Jun 8, 2007. out of 1 users found this review helpful.

I bought this book as gift for my wife on Mother's Day, and my wife is enjoying the book. I am from Nashville and have listened to Karlen on the radio here in Nashville, and she is a very talented "media" personality and I knew her book would be a HIT with my wife. It is a very entertaining read.

Great Gift Idea
~ Written on May 10, 2007. out of users found this review helpful.

What a great little book and a perfect conversation starter. My friends think I'm so smart because I know where all their sayings come from. I'm giving them as Mother's Day, Father's Day and Graduation presents. Love it!

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