A collection of observations on the mysteries and intricacies of English generated from talkback calls to Kate's popular segment on Peter Clarke's evening program on 3LO.

Based on Kate Burridge's ABC Radio call-in show about language, this book reveals the seemingly limitless fascination English speakers have for the language and the joy with which we all work and play with it: punning; telling riddles; using slang, jargon, and secret languages; and examining, and arguing about usage.In Blooming English Kate Burridge not only answers the questions posed by her radio callers, she also deals with critical language topics such as word creation, meaning shifts, language change, colloquial vs. standard English, lexicography, and dirty and taboo language. Combines an impressive breadth and depth of learning with a common touch and a readable style.