Isms (eBook)

In the tradition of An Exaltation of Larks and Crazy English comes a book about words guaranteed to pique the interest of word lovers everywhere. From abolitionism to zoroastrianism, ISMs make up some of the most interesting, mysterious, and obscure words in the English language. In this entertaining, engaging, and enlightening little book, word lovers will discover the true meanings of these words-along with the often bizarre etymologies, mythologies, and the common and not-so-common usage behind them. This comprehensive book covers more than 200 of these intriguing ISMs.

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If you love words, you'll love -iSMs!There are wordsand then there are -ISMs. More than just expressions with a wacky suffix, -ISMs are the eccentric geniuses of the English language. From esoteric philosophies and arcane religions to avant-garde artistic movements and kinky sexual practices, -ISMs describe our highest forms of human thought and endeavorand our very lowest. In this engaging and enlightening book, you'll explore more than 200 of the most interesting, mysterious, and obscure -ISMs, discovering the true meaning of these intriguing words as well as the often bizarre etymologies, mythologies, and the common and not-so-common usage behind them. With -ISMs as your guide, you'll be the most sophisticated wordsmith since Yogi Berra.