# 11 - Heavens to Betsy and Other Curious Sayings by Charles Earle Funk

If you've ever been interested in how certain sayings ended up in the American English language, then this is the book for you! Originally published in the 1950's by Charles Earle Funk, this book lists the origins for all sorts of sayings like "raining cats and dogs'' and "by the skin of my teeth.''

I found the information in this book very entertaining and educational. I was amazed at how long some sayings have been used (some date back to the 1300's or earlier), and how some got started.

The sayings aren't listed in any particular order, but there is an index included in the back of the book.

Funk also wrote several other books:

Thereby Hangs a Tale: Stories of Curious Word Origins
Horsefeathers and Other Curious Words
A Hog on Ice and other Curious Expressions
2107 Curious Word Origins, Sayings and Expressions
What's the Name Please? A guide to correct pronunciation of prominent names

Plus he collaborated on several editions of the Funk and Wagnall's English Dictionary