Book Review: ‘Stories of Words and Phrases’ by Sumanto Chattopadhyay

Book Title: Stories of Words and Phrases: Discover the Fascinating Stories Behind Everyday Expressions
Author: Sumanto Chattopadhyay
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Number of Pages: 297
ISBN: 978-9370034181
Date Published: Jul. 15, 2025
Price: INR 327

Book Review

If you’ve ever wondered why a “blockbuster” sounds like an explosion or how the moon got dragged into madness with the word “lunatic,” Sumanto Chattopadhyay’s “Stories of Words and Phrases: Discover the Fascinating Stories Behind Everyday Expressions” has just the ticket. This isn’t your average etymology book—it’s a time-traveling, globe-trotting, curiosity-igniting adventure packed into 80 witty chapters. With the style of a word-loving detective and the flair of a seasoned storyteller, Sumanto explores the secret histories of everyday words and idioms, turning the mundane into the marvelous.

From medieval rings that birthed the word “phoney” to war documentaries and peach baskets that made “blockbuster” and “basketball” household names, the stories here are delightfully unpredictable. The author’s quirky sense of humor and sharp eye for historical detail create a read that’s equal parts enlightening and entertaining. You’ll come for the facts, but stay for the playful anecdotes—like Spielberg pouring milk powder into a pool for shark footage or Victorians thinking “abracadabra” cured malaria!

What truly sets this book apart is its unpretentious tone and celebration of linguistic oddities without elitism. The influence of The English Nut—Sumanto’s social media alter ego—is strong, bringing a conversational, companionable voice to topics that could easily become dry in less nimble hands. This book isn’t just for grammar nerds or crossword fiends; it’s for anyone who’s ever paused mid-sentence to say, “Huh, I wonder where that word came from?”

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In sum, “Stories of Words and Phrases” is a charming linguistic joyride, perfect for readers who love words and want to see them not just as tools, but as tiny time capsules. Read it slowly, savor it often—and don’t be surprised if you start quoting etymologies at dinner parties. After all, every word has a story, and thanks to Sumanto, now you know just how wild those stories can get.

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