Word History With a Unique Twist

* Humorous and accessible etymology for words with grisly backgrounds

* Perfect for language enthusiasts

* Specially commissioned illustrations and a grim cloth case

Unfortunate English uncovers previous meanings of words that would-if those meanings were blatantly apparent today-offend the sensitive, discomfit the squeamish, and irk the politically correct. This book of word histories, highlights the de-intensification of the disgusting, the generalization of the ribald, and the mutation of the offensive revealing the "ugly truth" behind commonly used words. Readers will discover:

* What sensitivities are secretly offended by the use of such words as poppycock, bonfire, and porcelain

* The secret political incorrectness of words such as lampoon, sinister, and flamingo

* How remarkably innocent words such as butterfly, gymnasium, and fizzle may have once offended

With fun "gloomy" illustrations and a browsable format, this delightfully grim book is sure to make any word lover unable to resist taking a peak at the dark side of the English language.