Abstract:
IN TWO WORDS is a dictionary of two-word phrases from literature, history, science, technology, and popular culture. The Introduction uses a simple equation to show how twists and turns of meaning can develop. (A quote from movie mogul Sam Goldwyn teaches the difference between one word and two!) From “abominable snowman” through “hundredth monkey”, from “pessimistic pimple” through “zero point”, this book focuses not only on intriguing and surprising meanings but on their origins, development, use, and contribution to the richness of the English language