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  • Backformations

    Jun 27, 2014 | 0 Comments

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    A backformation is a word that is produced from what is incorrectly assumed to be a derived form.

    For example, we have the word scavenger which was borrowed into Middle English from Anglo-French, that is, that dialect of French current in England from the Norman Conquest to the end of the Middle Ages. Read more ...


  • Homophones

    Jun 18, 2014 | 4 Comments

    Confusions are often created by homophones – those words which sound the same although they are in fact completely different words often with different spellings. Some common examples are bear/bare, role/roll, pole/poll. Read more ...


  • Susan Butler on The Drum talking about Australian slang

    Jun 16, 2014 | 0 Comments

    Is Australian slang on the way out?

    Editor Sue Butler talks with The Drum’s Eleanor Hall about fresh research that suggests Australian slang is dying out

    Watch the TV interview


  • Cryptozoology

    Jun 11, 2014 | 0 Comments

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    The Loch Ness monster is the ultimate in cryptozoological creatures but we have a few in Australia as well. There is of course the bunyip who, in the Grampians at least, can be sharing his waterhole with the mindi, a large snake with a black mane. Read more...


  • Get 40% off the Sixth Edition

    Jun 10, 2014 | 0 Comments

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    The Macquarie Dictionary is celebrating EOFY with this special offer!

    Right now you can get 40% off the RRP of the Macquarie Dictionary Sixth Edition when you take out a new subscription or renew your current subscription. Read more...