Don't know what to give?
Here's a great gift idea! Give a book of fun.
"A town called Hell, which freezes over. A mollusk raised to college mascot. A brand of bubble gum
named for a musical instrument. Wegryn visits all these examples and more in his humorous investigation of naming
practices. For a popular overview of the field, Funny Thing About Names delivers its message with wit
and style."
— Christine DeVinne, former president of the American Names Society.
Ask yourself this...
What is the most popular street name?
Who was Benedict Arnold's infamous brother?
What is the oldest sports team nickname?
Why did Boris Karloff change his name?
Why didn't Arnold Schwarzenegger?
"Funny Thing About Names" answers these questions and many more as it delves into the wide world of names. Based upon ten years of research, this amusing account examines how and why we label people, places and businesses in America. It will delight the trivia buff, intrigue the reader interested in onomastics (the study of names), and put a smile on both.
