Author

Publication

2005 - Free Press, New York, New York (State)

Language

English

Word Count

72,500 words, Guess

Page Count

290 pages

Identifiers

and 3 more
  • Library of Congress Control Number2005043786
  • Goodreads1189548
  • LibraryThing171465

Classifications

  • DDC422
  • LCCPE3724.O3 W35 2005

Description

Has creative cursing developed because we can't just slug people when they make us angry? Throughout the twentieth century there seems to have been a dramatic escalation in the use and acceptance of offensive language in English, both verbally and in print. Just how have we become such a bunch of cursers and what does it tell us about our language and ourselves? A look at the power of words to shock, offend, insult, amuse, exaggerate, let off steam, establish relationships, and communicate deep-felt emotions, this book seeka to discover how what was once considered unfit-for-company argot has become standard fare. Wajnryb steps outside the confines of English in her search for answers, exploring whether offensive words in English are mirrored in other languages and examining cultural differences in the usage of dirty words.--From publisher description.

Subjects

Other Editions

  • Expletive deleted: a good look at bad languageFree Press2005-01-01

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