A Dictionary of Euphemisms - Hardcover

Holder, R. W.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198692757 ISBN 13: 9780198692751

Verlag: Oxford University Press, 1996

Inhaltsangabe

We all use euphemisms every day. We speak of "full-figured" women. We "fudge" on our income tax. We step lively to avoid "horse apples"--and step even livelier in the grip of the "Aztec Two-step." We say that the dead have "bit the dust" or have been "promoted to glory." Now, in A Dictionary of Euphemisms, R. W. Holder gives us an engaging volume that celebrates this human tendency to use mild, vague or roundabout expressions rather than those which are blunt, precise, and disagreeably true.
Here are thousands of entertaining and informative entries that range from long-established circumlocutions such as "everlasting life," "the Grim Reaper," "powder room," and "house of ill repute," to recent coinages such as "odorously challenged" (smelly), "corporate entertainment" (bribery), "AMW - actress, model, whatever" (prostitute), "downsizing" (laying off workers), and "white-knuckler" (a commercial flight on a small aircraft). Arranged in alphabetical order, theDictionary gives definitions, examples from real authors, and historical explanations where appropriate. Holder also includes an extensive bibliography and, equally important, a Thematic Index, so that readers can look up euphemistic words and expressions for Death, Mental Illness, Narcotics, Obesity, Poverty, and other topics.
A Dictionary of Euphemisms is a browser's delight and an essential reference book for all lovers of language. Readers will find in it a captivating guide to the art of not saying what we mean.

Über diesen Titel

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

About the Author:
R. W. Holder is the director of numerous companies, speaks several languages, and travels widely.

Details zur Ausgabe

• Verlag: Oxford University Press
• Erscheinungsdatum: 1996
• Sprache: Englisch
• ISBN 10: 0198692757
• ISBN 13: 9780198692751
• Einband: Gebundene Ausgabe
• Anzahl der Seiten: 470
• Kontakt zum Hersteller: Nicht verfügbar
• Verantwortliche Person: Ufficio Anagrafiche Messaggerie; ufficio.anagrafiche@meli.it; ; Via Verdi, 8; Assago Milano; 20090; Italien