San Antonio College Library

"The author of the widely acclaimed ... Dictionary of Euphemisms and Other Doubletalk returns with the other side of the story in this witty, anecdote-filled guide to the many 'bad' words with which the English language is blessed. This sardonic excursion along the dark side of language traces the origin, use, and abuse of words we love to hate. It ranges widely, including personal insults (lily-livered), ethnic slurs (wops), political attacks (knee-jerk...

This is the only encyclopedia and social history of swearing and foul language in the English-speaking world. It covers the various social dynamics that generate swearing, foul language, and insults in the entire range of the English language. While the emphasis is on American and British English, the different major global varieties, such as Australian, Canadian, South African, and Caribbean English are also covered. A-Z entries cover the full range...