Family Words: A Dictionary of the Secret Language of Families (How America Speaks series)

Providing a vast collection of words developed in households across the country and through the decades, this creative reference book defines crafty words created within specific families. These words carry significant meaning within the originating family unit but are meaningless to those outside. For example, a "gluebottom" is the name for the guest who would not leave and "ootocks" became the expression for shoes and socks when a child was unable to pronounce the words individually. This dictionary includes the stories and interpretation necessary for all readers to appreciate these amusing and useful words and phrases.