Hubert van den Bergh Boeken

How to Sound Clever explains the etymology of 600 key words you really ought to know, but haven't had the time to look up in the dictionary. Each entry features an etymological description as well as useful example phrases so that readers can quickly see the correct context for each word. Anecdotes and witty illustrations appear throughout to make a book that is entertaining and will help the reader to boost their vocabulary. An ideal gift and a useful book for everyone have to hand when they come across a word you should know, but don't. Colin Dexter has described How to Sound Clever thus: †?This admirable book is a wholly welcome antidote to the semi-demi-literacy of the 21st century. Go out and buy it!'

Outfoxed by words like condign, Zelig-like and agitprop? Unsure of the true meanings of nonplussed, disinterested and gauntlet? How to Sound Really Clever explains over 600 words that you really ought to know but haven't had time to look up in the dictionary. In this sequel to the bestselling How to Sound Clever, author Hubert van den Bergh brings together more words that have made him raise an admiring eyebrow when hearing them trip off other people's tongues, or smile when seeing them in newsprint. The stories behind the everyday words that pepper this book may surprise you - like that behind pastiche (and why it derives from the Italian for 'piecrust') - and will help you clear up those linguistic riddles that no one around a dinner table ever seems to be able to explain.