A noted lexicographer tells the life stories of thousands of words -- how, when, and where they originated, and how their meanings have changed and developed through the centuries. The words are arranged according to themes that include politics, religion, history, cooking, scientific names, proper names, and sports, as well as a roster of Greek and Latin prefixes. Filled with cultural history, Word Origins is as much entertainment as reference. Over 68,000 copies sold in previous Wings editions.