Author(s): Max Cryer

Lexical

• Who was Bobby Dazzler?
• Does anyone understand eudaemonism?
• Why do ships have poop decks?
• Which radio show was responsible for the dreaded lurgy?

Since the publication of his book Curious Questions in 2001, the letters to Max Cryer have kept on coming. In his regular Saturday morning appearance on National Radio, he has provided hundreds of answers for curious Kiwis, who continue to be intrigued, puzzled or bemused by the eccentricities of the English language. Their questions range from ancient legend to modern culture, from the broadest dialect and slang to the precision of the Queen?s English. Once again Max has provided answers to some of the best, giving the origins of unusual words and popular expressions, and the particular way in which New Zealanders use them