- Delve into the hidden nature of words: An irresistible mix of information, curiosity, and fun Linguist Vivian Cook takes us on a brilliant series of excursions into the history and meaning of words: How do we learn words as a child? How are words born, and why do they die? Why do some never get spoken, and others never written? Each chapter is charmingly illustrated - and accompanied by a rich assortment of games, lists, puzzles, and quotes. From polite words to crass words, from p-c words to Shakespeare"s words, from food and wine words to jazz and drug words - the book is an exciting exploration into the abundance and variety of words.