Category Archives: word play

Do You Know the Origins of These Words and Phrases?

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Iron Curtain – This phrase was coined after World War II by Prime Minister Winston Churchill of Great Britain to describe the rise of Russian influence over Eastern Europe. Churchill found the rigid censorship of the citizenry and the closing … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Uncategorized, word play | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

From Where Does That Phrase Come?

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

This first one is for Brian, who spoke of a preference for the word in one of my recent posts. Codswallop ~ Unknown, attested from 1959 episode of UK TV series Hancock’s Half Hour. The writers (Galton and Simpson) state that … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, language choices, legends and myths, Uncategorized, word play | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Universal Themes and Jane Austen: First Impressions

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Universal Themes and Jane Austen: First Impressions Have you ever met someone with whom you have corresponded several times (Facebook, Twitter, phone, or the old-fashioned way by a letter) only to be surprised by his/her appearance? He/She looks nothing like … Continue reading →

Posted in excerpt, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Regency era, word play, writing | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Universal Themes and Jane Austen: First Impressions

From Where Does That Phrase Come?

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Catch Word is a word under the right-hand side of the last line on a book page that repeats the first word on the following page – circa 1736. It was commonly used in printing. The phrase has come into … Continue reading →

Posted in customs and tradiitons, language choices, word play, writing | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Editing 101: Words Frequently Confused (Part 2)

Posted on August 26, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Most writers enjoy games that test their knowledge of word skills. Yet, knowing which word or phrase to choose can be a challenge even for those of us who consider ourselves “word” worshippers. Are you aware of the distinctions listed … Continue reading →

Posted in editing, language choices, word play, writing | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

From Where Does That Phrase Come? A Bit of Slang

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Slang, consists of a lexicon of non-standard words and phrases in a given language. Use of these words and phrases is typically associated with the subversion of a standard variety (such as Standard English) and is likely to be interpreted … Continue reading →

Posted in language choices, Pop Culture, word play, writing | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

From Where Does That Phrase Come?

Posted on August 12, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Recently, I was checking the source of several key phrases within my current WIP (Work in Progress), a cozy mystery, checking to discover whether the word/phrase would have been used in Regency England. Below, are some of those I researched. … Continue reading →

Posted in editing, language choices, word play, writing | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

From Where Does that Phrase Come?

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

I am fascinated by the origin of common phrases. Her are some of my favorites, ones I have used repeatedly over the years. Add yours to the list, and we will see if we can find their sources. the apple … Continue reading →

Posted in language choices, word play, writing | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Why Austen’s Works Easily Translate into Modern Adaptations

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Jane Austen’s works are often classified as “romances.” The assumption comes from the premise that if the heroine meets a handsome man in Chapter One, he must be the hero. Fitzwilliam Darcy is the romantic hero of Pride and Prejudice, … Continue reading →

Posted in film, Jane Austen, language choices, Living in the Regency, Napoleonic Wars, Pop Culture, Pride and Prejudice, Regency era, Regency personalities, word play, writing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Editing 101: Homophones and Other Words Often Confused

Posted on June 24, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

While editing, we must take comfort in the fact none of us can know everything about language choices. I know the frustration. There is nothing worse than to reread a passage six months after its publication and to spot an … Continue reading →

Posted in editing, language choices, Uncategorized, word play | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments