The Godzone Dictionary is a concise A-Z of the words and phrases that make our New Zealand language and speech patterns so distinctive and individual, from Aotearoa and Avondale spiders to Zambuck and Zespri. Sland words and expressions feature heavily, while one of the unique features of this book is the large number of Maori words that have be...

The Essential Lingo Dictionary is a warts-and-all look at the notoriously hilarious (and occasionally a little bit naughty) canon of Australian slang words and phrases, casting light on the quirky, intriguing and often bizarre Australian Aussie language. A must-have for every bookshelf! If you have wondered why his girlfriend is a ‘Sheila’ even though her name is Sophia, or why your colleagues in Melbourne’s suburbs are said to live ‘beyond the black stump’, then this book is for you. The author, John Miller, has been a journalist for over thirty-five years and is passionate about Australia’s history and heritage. As well as making extensive use of written references to compile this book, John interviewed Australians from all walks of life — from outback characters to school kids — to ensure he captured every nuance of Australia’s unique language as it is spoken today.

Visitors to New Zealand are frequently surprised — and puzzled — by local terms and expressions. This concise A–Z dictionary, now updated in a new expanded edition, is a quick and easy reference to understanding the words and phrases that make the New Zealand language and speech patterns so different. Language expert Max Cryer not only provides helpful definitions for the various entries, but also sheds light on their origins. Slang words feature heavily, while a key feature of the book is the large number of Māori words that have become part of the common language over the years. Popular names of sports teams are also included, while an appendix of New Zealand acronyms completes the book. From Rotovegas to the Naki, both Kiwis and visitors to New Zealand will find the lingo of Godzone explained simply and accurately. Never stuffy or academic, Max Cryer brings his expert knowledge and dry wit to a book that is sure to become an essential reference. Sweet as!

"This book contains a list of the words and phrases that make Australian English so distinctive, together with explanations of meaning and origin."--Provided by publisher.

Over a period of four short years, Jana Alcorn's step-daughter and husband died, as well as three other loved ones. What do you do when your hopes and dreams have mercilessly disappeared? What do you do when life deals you one successive, deadly blow after another? How do you cope when you have to stop and bury your loved ones while hacking your way through a devastating personal wilderness? Hope is the Velcro of faith. Author Jana Alcorn opens her heart and the Scriptures to share that nothing is too difficult for God-hope and dreams can be restored! Life can be beautiful again. You may be facing: Death-yours or a loved one. Financial ruin. Health problems. Family challenges. Unemployment. Finding the God Zone provides hope in the midst of the chaos. Real-life stories of lost expectation and hope restored are combined with biblical principles. The companion Study Guide, Journal, and Scripture Index provide resources that help you delve deeply into life's twists and turns with prayerful reflection enlightening revelation.

We can all remember the stories we were told as children: Santa Claus lives at the North Pole; St Bernard dogs carry brandy to help lost climbers; Lady Godiva rode naked through Coventry. They were great stories – and we believed them. But are they true? Max Cryer sets out to investigate the truth or otherwise of ideas and beliefs we may have always been told are true, but which on closer examination may not be. For example: Did Winston Churchill coin the term ‘Iron Curtain’? ‘OK’ is an American expression, right? Tulips come from Holland, don’t they? Did Sarah Palin say, ‘I can see Russia from my house?’ The subjects covered in this highly entertaining book are diverse, ranging from politics, science and social history, to language, music and the natural world. Max Cryer approaches each with an open mind, seeking to uncover the truth behind some of our most cherished beliefs. Be prepared for surprises.

Believe it or not, this is probably the first book to attempt to identify the original sources of some of the English language's most common expressions. We might think we know who first said famous for fifteen minutes, annus horribilis, the cold war and let them eat cake. It's a no brainer, you might say, but Max Cryer has a surprise or two in ...