The language of Hollywood resonates beyond the stage and screen because it often has inherent drama—or comedic effect. This volume contains a combination of approximately 100 expertly researched essays on words, phrases and idioms made famous by Hollywood along with the stories behind 30 or so of the most iconic—and ultimately often used—quotes from films. There are also sidebars that focus on other ways the entertainment world has changed language. For instance, stories behind stars whose names have been used for drinks (hello, Shirley Temple) or roses (there are ones named after Elizabeth Taylor and Judy Garland, among others). And, a sidebar on William Shakespeare’s unique contribution to the English language.

This collection will appeal to everyone who has ever wondered about the origin of phrases like "all part of life's rich pattern" and "long time no see". It covers a wide range of catch phrases in current use in all parts of the English-speaking world. Most entries are drawn from the second edition of Eric Partridge's Dictionary of Catch Phrases (second edition, edited by Paul Beale), but have been completely rewritten in the light of recent research, and there are many additions. Catch Phrases include: close your eyes and think of England! have I got news for you! ... refreshes the parts that other ... cannot reach some mothers do'ave'em! you are awful, but I like you.

Gobs of giggles, ladles of laughter! This revised collection of funny poems by beloved poets such as Bruce Lansky, Kenn Nesbitt, Robert Pottle, Eric Ode, Ted Scheu, and Dave Crawley will have both kid-size and grownup-size readers rolling in the aisles with laughter! Gobs of giggles, ladles of laughter! This revised collection of funny poems by beloved poets such as Bruce Lansky, Kenn Nesbitt, Robert Pottle, Eric Ode, Ted Scheu, and Dave Crawley will have both kid-size and grownup-size readers rolling in the aisles with laughter!

This book unlocks the meaning of more than 5,000 idioms used in American English today.