Try free for 30 days

  • The Painted Word

  • A Treasure Chest of Remarkable Words and Their Origins
  • By: Phil Cousineau
  • Narrated by: Marlin May
  • Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins

1 credit a month to use on any title, yours to keep (you’ll use your first credit on this title).
Stream or download thousands of included titles.
Access to exclusive deals and discounts.
$16.45 a month after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.
The Painted Word cover art

The Painted Word

By: Phil Cousineau
Narrated by: Marlin May
Try for $0.00

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $28.99

Buy Now for $28.99

Pay using voucher balance (if applicable) then card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions Of Use and Privacy Notice and authorise Audible to charge your designated credit card or another available credit card on file.

Publisher's Summary

To untangle the knot of interlocking meanings of these painted words, logophile and mythologist Phil Cousineau begins each fascinating word entry with his own brief definition. He then fills it in with a tint of etymology and a smattering of quotes that show how the word is used, ending with a list of companion words. The words themselves range from commonplace - like "biscuit", a twice-baked cake for Roman soldiers - to loanwords including "chaparral", from the Basque shepherds who came to the American West; words from myths, such as hector; metamorphosis words, like "silly", which evolved from "holy" to "goofy" in a mere thousand years; and words well worthy of revival, such as "carrytale", a wandering storyteller. Whether old-fangled or brand new, all the words included in The Painted Word possess an ineffable quality that makes them luminous.

©2012 Cleis Press (P)2013 Cleis Press

What listeners say about The Painted Word

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.