Do consonant clusters have integral meaning in and of themselves? This book offers a fascinating insight into the world of consonants and their hidden meanings. It investigates the sound symbolism behind English consonant clusters and looks at why sw- swings and swaggers, gl- gleams and glows and wh- whoops and whistles. It traces the etymologies of some of our most evocative words back to some surprising ancient roots. "Sl- is for Sleaze but Sn- is for Sneeze!" is a well-researched and entertaining read, accessible to both the linguist and the interested reader.
Do consonant clusters have integral meaning in and of themselves? This book offers a fascinating insight into the world of consonants and their hidden meanings. It investigates the sound symbolism behind English consonant clusters and looks at why sw- swings and swaggers, gl- gleams and glows and wh- whoops and whistles. It traces the etymologies of some of our most evocative words back to some surprising ancient roots. "Sl- is for Sleaze but Sn- is for Sneeze!" is a well-researched and entertaining read, accessible to both the linguist and the interested reader.
