How Not to Say What You Mean: A Dictionary of Euphemisms (Oxford Paperback Reference)

by R.W.Holder (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  2002

  $3.41

  This re-named edition of A Dictionary of Euphemisms is full of old favourites, such as early bath or push up the daisies , as well as euphemisms from modern times, like human sacrifice and coffee-housing . Definitions include examples from real authors, along with historical explanations of origins, and now obsolete euphemisms like leaping house , nightingale are signposted as such. To prove that the use of euphemisms is not just a British speciality, there is widespread coverage of American euphemisms too: English (pertaining to sexual deviance), and watermelon (an indication of pregnancy) are two examples.

• Used

  Hardcover
  2007

  $3.41

  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' and '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. How Not To Say What You Mean remains the most lively and authoritative guide to the language of evasion, hyprocrisy, prudery, and deceit.