Hilarious & Full Of Riches

Mangled English by Gervase Phinn is a small comprehensive book looking at the English language in all its’ complex beauty. This is highly amusing as we read about the blunders and gaffs when words are used wrongly.

There is much humour when different dialects connect. “A Southern woman became a teacher at a Bradford school… left her classroom in search of a dustbin… ‘Where’s the bin?’ she enquired. ‘Ah’ve bin t’toilet, if it’s owt to do wi’ thee’ came the blunt reply.”

We learn the origins of some of the English terms for the misuse of words, such as malapropisms. Some examples given are: “He’s a wolf in cheap clothing.” As well as: “He had to go to the solicitor to sign a Happy David.”

Children often cause us to chuckle: “’What is the total?… And what is the remainder?’ the teacher asked. ‘The remainder, miss, is the animal what pulls Santa’s sleigh.’”

Sometimes people just mishear words. “Surely Good Mrs Murphey shall follow me all the days of my life.” And one that made me snigger: “Use a bum St Bernard to heat the test tube.”

Gervase Phinn looks at many angles of the English language including graffiti, abbreviations and their meanings within certain sectors of society. “PITB – Pain In The Bum.” There are also translations into English that don’t always work. And a look at poetry and epitaphs. Gervase Phinn also shares his list of words that many of us fail to spell correctly.

There is so much to discover about the English language in this book. It is full of riches as well as highly amusing. “If at first you don’t succeed, sky diving is not for you.” Misheard book titles caused a titter in me: “Harry Potter And The Chamberpot Secret.”

Mangled English is a lovely little book that will educate you and also make you laugh. Humour is often the best medicine. I always enjoy books by Gervase Phinn.

JULIA WILSON