A Dictionary of Euphemisms - Couverture rigide

Holder, R.W.

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 0198692757 ISBN 13 : 9780198692751

Editeur : Oxford University Press, 1995

Synopsis

The result of a lifetime's reading and fascination with the art of not saying what you mean, this dictionary offers a dissection of the human tendency to use mild, vague or roundabout expressions rather than words which are blunt, precise, and disagreeably true. Its thousands of hugely entertaining entries range from the long-established, such as everlasting life and the Grim Reaper (death), powder room , and house of ill repute , to recent coinages including odorously challenged (smelly), corporate entertainment (bribery), AMW - actress, model, whatever (prostitute), and educational welfare manager (truancy officer). Providing widespread coverage of both British and American euphemisms, the Dictionary gives definitions, examples from real authors, and historical explanations. It is a browser's delight and an essential reference book. This book is intended for general trade; humour/language interest.

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

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.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Oxford University Press
• Date d'édition: 1995
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0198692757
• ISBN 13: 9780198692751
• Reliure: Relié
• Nombre de pages: 491
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: Ufficio Anagrafiche Messaggerie; ufficio.anagrafiche@meli.it; ; Via Verdi, 8; Assago Milano; 20090; Italie