Sh*t People Don’t Know
The Backstory of Everything
by Dr. Phil Tanner

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Language is messy. Idioms are worse. We use them recklessly without asking ourselves why we do it. We expect everyone to understand us, but many of these phrases have outlived the societies that created them. Why is Friday the 13th unlucky? Why do people throw salt over their shoulder? How can you drop the ball at work but still be left holding the ball, especially after your boss just threw you a curve ball? Sh*t People Don’t Know pulls back the curtain on a language that behaves less like a rulebook and more like an inside joke. This is an entertaining deep dive into the strange origins of the words, phrases, customs, and superstitions woven into everyday English. You’ll also uncover the forgotten logic behind traditions, the surprising roots of major holidays, and the quiet fingerprints of secret societies, old-world rituals, and religion that still shapes how we speak and behave today. Some stories are hilarious, others are dark, and a few might make you squirm. Whether you’re a native speaker or just learning, this book reveals language for what it really is: a living record of human behaviour that is illogical, fascinating, and often ridiculous. Eventually, you’ll catch yourself thinking … “Well sh*t, I didn’t know that.”

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Dr. Phil Tanner was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. By the age of four, his quiet suburban life was upended, and his family was deployed to Taiwan with the United Nations. The next 15 years became a series of deployments around Asia and Africa, often living in conflict affected countries. At twenty, he had already lived in twelve countries and was educated in numerous international schools. As a result, he grew up as a “third culture kid,” learning to navigate between cultures rather than belonging to just one. It shaped his career path, and he too joined the UN, determined to improve the lives of the poorest around the world. After several decades delivering humanitarian aid, with the UN and numerous non-profits, Dr. Phil also became one of Canada’s most travelled people, visiting and working in over 160 countries worldwide. Experiencing multiple cultures and languages in his travels, Dr. Phil observed that English often became the default means of communication. He discovered that misunderstandings rarely stemmed from grammar or vocabulary: idioms, metaphors, and unspoken assumptions caused the most confusion … and sometimes amusement. Realizing that English is fluid and shaped by its users, it sparked his exploration of the hidden backstories behind everyday language, and ultimately, resulted in this light-hearted book. Dr. Phil continues to work in international relief and development, helping charities design and fund projects that alleviate poverty. When he’s not travelling or writing, he enjoys boating on the Rideau River, composing music, and singing. He lives in Stittsville, Ontario, Canada, with his wife and two beautiful children. To learn more about Dr. Phil, visit his website at www.mmw4m.com.

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Dr. Phil Tanner