Where did the term "cold turkey" come from? Is "wassup?" a real word? why is the word colonel pronounced (KUR-nel) instead of (COL-loh-nel)? This handy reference book explores the histories and usages of 200 words and phrases from Olde English to Internet jargon and contemporary slang.Word Loretraces intriguing words and phrases from their origins and famous uses through shifts in meaning and common misuses. This volume is a fantastic reference guide as well as an entertaining and informative trivia book for language buffs. Fascinating entries include: • Lollygag • Shebang • Cowabunga • John Doe • Skedaddle • and the everyday "OK"