Brewer’s Dictionary of Modern Phrase and Fable by Adrian Room

Secondhand Paperback in Very Good Condition

A comprehensive reference guide that focuses on the language, events, and cultural allusions of the 20th and 21st centuries, offering definitions and origins for a vast array of terms not found in conventional dictionaries.

• Modern Expressions: Coverage of contemporary idioms, colloquialisms, catchphrases (e.g., “the full monty”, “couch potato”), and slang expressions.
• Popular Culture References: Entries on titles and characters from films, TV programs (e.g., Inspector Morse, Starsky and Hutch), books, comic strips, and computer games (e.g., Harry Potter characters).
• Names and Nicknames: Explanations for the monikers of rock groups, famous sportspeople, historical figures, and fictional characters.
• Events and Organizations: Information on significant modern events (e.g., “Black Wednesday”), operations code names from WWII, and modern organizations (e.g., “Taliban”).
• Slogans and Trade Names: Definitions and origins for celebrated advertising slogans and various trade names.
• General Knowledge: Various thematic lists and miscellaneous information, such as first lines of novels and frequently mispronounced words.