Rebel Without A Clause
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2.5 • 2 Ratings
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
The English language is changing constantly. We invent new words and phrases, we mash up idioms, we mispronounce, misuse, misappropriate. Sue Butler has heard it all and is ready to defend and disagree with common usage. Veering from tolerance to outrage, she examines how the word sheila took a nose-dive after World War II, considers whether we should hunker or bunker down, and bemoans the emptiness of rhetoric. She shouts 'down with closure' as it leaps from the psychoanalyst's couch, explains why we've lost the plot on deceptively, untangles the manuka honey stoush, fathoms why the treatment of famous is infamous, and ponders whether you would, could or should ...
Rebel without a Clause is a fascinatingly idiosyncratic romp through the world of words by lexicographer and former Macquarie Dictionary Editor, Sue Butler.
Customer Reviews
Lexis australis
3.5 stars
Australian writer, who is a past editor of the Macquarie dictionary. Commentator on language on TV, radio and online.Previous publications include The Aitch Factor (2015),’ and ‘New Words: Changes in Australian English (2020).’
Here she gives readers a series of short chapters covering cringeworthy and/or confusing words, phrases, and grammatical issues from an Aussie perspective. In essence, a sequel to ‘The Aitch Factor,’ which aspired to be Australia’s answer to ‘Eats, Shoots and Leaves’ (2011) by Lyn Truss, but fell short IMHO. As does this, although it’s instructional and entertaining enough.
If you like this sort of thing and haven’t read ‘Between You and Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen’ (2015) by Mary Norris, then you should.