John Ayto is an experienced lexicographer and author of many language titles including A&C Black's Word Origins. He is Chief Etymologist on the Bloomsbury English Dictionary.

'Utterly delightful and instructive' The Observer 'A hilarious insight into more than 3,000 ways to avoid speaking your mind' Daily Mail 'A little treasure giving details on how euphemisms originated and the sometimes embarrassing reality of phrases currently in use.' Publishing News (May 2007) 'An excellent book, and not just for wordsmiths.' Dorset Echo (September 2007)

John Ayto is an experienced lexicographer and author of many language titles including A&C Black's Word Origins. He is Chief Etymologist on the Bloomsbury English Dictionary.

'Utterly delightful and instructive' The Observer 'A hilarious insight into more than 3,000 ways to avoid speaking your mind' Daily Mail 'A little treasure giving details on how euphemisms originated and the sometimes embarrassing reality of phrases currently in use.' Publishing News (May 2007) 'An excellent book, and not just for wordsmiths.' Dorset Echo (September 2007)

John Ayto is an experienced lexicographer and author of many language titles including A&C Black's Word Origins. He is Chief Etymologist on the Bloomsbury English Dictionary.

'Utterly delightful and instructive' The Observer 'A hilarious insight into more than 3,000 ways to avoid speaking your mind' Daily Mail 'A little treasure giving details on how euphemisms originated and the sometimes embarrassing reality of phrases currently in use.' Publishing News (May 2007) 'An excellent book, and not just for wordsmiths.' Dorset Echo (September 2007)