A Dictionary of Euphemisms (Oxford Paperback Reference)

by R.W.Holder (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1997

  $4.24

  Investigating the human tendency to prefer mild, vague or roundabout expressions rather than use words which are blunt, precise, and disagreeably true, this book unmasks the language of prudery, evasion, and deceit, while showing how not to say what you really mean. Why else do people say bijou , 'house of ill repute , and corporate entertainment , when what they really mean is inconveniently small , brothel , and bribery ? A survey of our linguistic idiosyncracies, the dictionary includes thousands of definitions, quotations, derivations, and historical explanations and a thematic index for quick and easy reference.

• Used

  Paperback
  2008

  $3.22

  This brand new edition celebrating 20 years of R. W. Holder's popular and successful dictionary of euphemisms is packed full of traditional favourites, such as 'Dutch uncle' or 'push up the daisies', as well as euphemisms from the contemporary world such as 'restructuring', 'coffee-housing', 'extrajudicial killing'. Definitions include examples from real authors, along with entertaining explanations of their origins. To prove that the use of euphemisms is not just a British speciality, there is widespread coverage of American euphemisms, too: for example, 'English' (pertaining to sexual deviance) and 'watermelon' (an indication of pregnancy). The A-Z organization of the text is complemented by a thematic index with short introductory articles on fruitful areas of euphemistic language such as business, sex, death, and the human body. This book remains the most lively and authoritative guide to the language of evasion, hypocrisy, prudery, and deceit.