Nike, Nurses and Neon: The Ancient Greek and Latin Words We Use Every Day

Did you know that porpoise means “pig fish” and that hippopotamus translates as “river horse?” Or that the name George comes from the word “farmer,” and that Rupert means “firm as a rock?” From the icons on computer monitors to words in everyday speech, English is heavily rooted in words adopted from the ancient Greeks and Romans. This insightful and entertaining study investigates just how far Greek and Latin still pervade modern culture and language, along the way revealing a veritable cornucopia of quirky trivia and little-known facts. Perfect for language lovers and fans of antiquity alike, this is an engaging and funny look at the roots of modern English.