Gerald Cohen

Gerald Cohen is a professor emeritus of linguistics at Missouri University of Science and Technology and a distinguished scholar of etymology and word origins. His extensive research has focused on the origins of American English words and expressions, with particular emphasis on terms from baseball, food culture, and New York City vernacular. Cohen founded and edited the journal Comments on Etymology and has published numerous influential works on word origins, including Origin of New York City's Nickname "The Big Apple" and Etymology of Baseball. His methodical research helped definitively trace the history of terms like "hot dog" and "The Big Apple," resolving long-standing debates about their origins. Through his scholarly publications and research spanning over four decades, Cohen has made significant contributions to understanding the development of American English vocabulary and slang. His work is characterized by thorough historical documentation and careful analysis of primary sources. Cohen's research style combines rigorous etymological methodology with investigation of social and cultural factors that influence language development. His findings have been cited extensively in dictionaries and academic works on American English etymology.

Readers praise Cohen's meticulous research methods and comprehensive source documentation in tracing word origins. On academic forums and review sites, linguistics students and etymology enthusiasts highlight his ability to definitively resolve disputed word histories through thorough historical evidence. What readers liked: - Clear presentation of complex etymology research - Inclusion of original historical documents and citations - Step-by-step explanation of how words evolved - Focus on culturally significant American terms What readers disliked: - Dense academic writing style can be dry - Publications can be difficult to obtain outside academic libraries - Some readers found the level of detail excessive - Limited coverage of modern/contemporary terms Reviews & Ratings: His academic works appear primarily in university libraries and linguistics journals rather than consumer book sites, making ratings data limited. On academic citation indexes and scholarly review platforms, his research papers receive consistent citations. The journal Comments on Etymology, which he edited, maintains steady readership among etymology scholars and students. One linguistics student wrote: "Cohen's careful documentation of 'hot dog' origins exemplifies how proper etymological research should be conducted."

Eco-Republic: Ancient Thinking for a Green Age (2012) An analysis of Plato's Republic reinterpreted through an environmental lens, examining how ancient Greek political thought can inform modern ecological challenges.

How to Think About War: An Ancient Guide to Foreign Policy (2019) A translation and commentary of Thucydides' speeches from "History of the Peloponnesian War," focusing on the political and military decision-making processes.

The Religious Revolution: The Birth of Modern Spirituality, 1500-1700 (2022) A historical examination of the transformation in religious thought across multiple societies during the early modern period.

Karl Marx's Theory of History: A Defence (1978) A detailed analysis and defense of Marx's historical materialism and his theory of history.

If You're an Egalitarian, How Come You're So Rich? (2000) A philosophical investigation of the relationship between personal wealth and egalitarian beliefs, examining moral contradictions in modern life.

Self-Ownership, Freedom, and Equality (1995) A critique of libertarian philosophy and its concepts of self-ownership, incorporating Marxist perspectives on freedom and equality.

Daniel Pink writes about human motivation and behavioral economics, covering topics like drive, timing, and sales psychology. His research-based approach and focus on workplace dynamics parallels Cohen's exploration of negotiation and influence.

William Ury explores negotiation strategy and conflict resolution through his work at Harvard's Negotiation Project. His focus on practical frameworks for reaching agreement aligns with Cohen's emphasis on tactical approaches to deal-making.

Robert Cialdini examines the psychology of persuasion and the principles behind why people say yes. His research into compliance and influence connects to Cohen's work on negotiation tactics and human behavior in business settings.

Chris Voss draws from his FBI hostage negotiation experience to present methods for high-stakes negotiations. His focus on emotional intelligence and tactical empathy in negotiations mirrors Cohen's practical approach to deal-making.

Max Bazerman investigates decision-making, negotiation, and ethical leadership through his research at Harvard Business School. His analysis of cognitive biases and judgment in negotiation settings shares common ground with Cohen's examination of negotiation dynamics.