Settler Sayings

A gift for the philologist young and old, this book focuses on explaining the origins and meanings of the colloquial sayings that have endured since the founding of our country. Written in a straightforward format, Settler Sayings categorizes its expressions and figures of speech into locals of origin (i.e., The Kitchen, On the Farm, Inns and Travel) and offers a simple explanation for each saying. Readers will even find a short section on "Extinct Expressions" at the end of the book. Some make perfect sense, while others will surprise the reader (check out the origins of the word "spud"!) The illustrations and photographs are colorful and often humorous, varying in style and detail as needed, and very supportive of the text. Particularly funny is illustration that shows most of the "on the Farm" sayings as if they were to be taken literally. (For example, a bumpy-looking blue goose is shown shivering, an in "Goose Bumps".)

As a children's librarian I am often at a loss for answers to obscure homework questions. When students are doing units on pioneers, they often ask for explanations of particular sayings. I find this book to be very useful. The format is clear. The style is fun and informative. I have yet to have a reference question on this subject that I could not locate in the book. The kids don't seem to have too much difficulty using it either.