Word for Today

For the first time, the best of ABC presenter Roly Sussex's popular 'Words for Today' program are collected in book form. A must-read for all language nerds.

Did you know that the word salary comes from the Latin sal for 'salt', since part of the payment to Roman soldiers was in salt? That braces and suspenders used to refer to different items of clothing? Or that trolls have migrated from fairytales to online discussion forums?

The English language is currently going through a period of tremendous ferment, growth and expansion. Old 'rules' are being challenged, or weakened. New ones are emerging. And mistakes and misuses are popping up with all the speed that the internet can provide. For over two decades, linguist Roly Sussex has documented the nature and evolution of the English Language on his popular weekly ABC Radio program 'Word for Today'.

For the first time, the best of these reflections on word origins, neologisms and misuses are collected in this witty and insightful book. With Word for Today, you'll always have a word for tomorrow.

About the Author

Roland 'Roly' Sussex is an Emeritus Professor of Languages at the University of Queensland (UQ) and has been broadcasting language segments on ABC Radio in Queensland every week for 24 years (and in South Australia for 20 years).

Since his formal role with UQ finished in 2010, he has been actively involved not only in the written and electronic media, but also in supervising research at UQ, and undertaking research projects- one in MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), and a more extensive one in pain and communication.

He has chaired the Board of the State Library of Queensland and the Alliance Fran aise of Brisbane, and is currently President of the English Speaking Union (Queensland).