The vocabulary of Texas, and of the Southwest, has a character that sets it apart from all others. It is to some extent an amalgamation of words brought from other sections. A more important ingredient, however, has been a large group of words that initially grew into usage in Texas itself.

Utilizing a thorough knowledge of language and a remarkable insight into linguistics, E. Bagby Atwood has compiled a reference book for scholars, writers, and laypeople whose interests involve the use of this vocabulary. It is a well-balanced book, designed to present to the reader not only the actual vocabulary in use but also the area involved, topical surveys of words used, their backgrounds, and geographical aspects of their usage. Easterners and Westerners alike will relish the unique flavor of the Southwestern vocabulary.

"Snap beans and chittlins, tot and pilon, racket store and slop jar, anti-goglin, light a shuck, peckerwood, clabber, chifferobe, chiffonier and hundreds of other words and phrases familiar to natives and some newcomers are found on these pages.  This...publication has unearthed a rich vein of Texas ore." - Dallas Morning News

"... I can only express admiration for this fine work. It is eminently readable, entertaining, and instructive." - Language