Fighting Words from War, Rebellion, and Other Combative Capers

Fighting Words from War, Rebellion, and Other Combative Capers explains the origins and usage of about 1,200 words and phrases from warfare. Arranged alphabetically, they range from ancient, such as Pyrrhic victory (279 B.C.) to modern (drone; I.E.D.). The book uses quotations from historical sources as well as previous research into wartime etymology for a concise, detailed and extensive examination of the words of war. It will appeal both to military history buffs and general readers interested in the history of words.

Fighting Words from War, Rebellion, and Other Combative Capers explains the origins and usage of some 1,200 words and phrases from warfare. Arranged alphabetically, they range from ancient, such as Pyrrhic victory (279 B.C,) to modern (drone, I.E.D.) The reader will be surprised to learn that some of the most common terms in everyday speech originated in military pursuits. The "grapevine" and "deadline" both came to us from the Civil War. Clothing terms such as "cardigan" and "raglan" came from the names of two generals in the Crimean War. "Magazine" was originally a storehouse for munitions. And "campaign," as in advertising campaign, "bivouac" as in a climber's resting place, and "rally" as in "pep rally" all have military origins. And of course there are famous quotations, such "Old soldiers never die," "Don't give up the s ship," and "keep your powder dry." This third edition of a book originally published in 1989, greatly expanded and updated, includes many of the terms coming from recent conflicts, such as Gulf War syndrome and triple ace. It will appeal both to military history buffs and general readers interested in the history of words and phrases.

Christine Ammer has written nearly forty popular reference books on subjects such as classical music, women's health, cliches, and idioms. Her most recent book, American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms, 2nd edition, was published in February 2013 and went into a second printing within two months. Her Facts on File Dictionary of Music and A to Z of Women's Health are available on line. Her e-books include It's Raining Cats and Dogs and Other Beastly Expressions; Seeing Red or Tickled Pink--A Rainbow of Colorful Expressions; Southpaws and Sunday Punches and Other Sporting Expressions; Fruitcakes and Couch Potatoes and Other Delicious Expressions. Since 1993 she has written a column, Fighting Words, on words and phrases from warfare, for Military History Quarterly.