Description

Book Synopsis

The English language is where words go to be tortured and mutilated into unrecognizable shadows of their former selves. It''s where Latin, Greek, and Germanic roots are shredded apart and stitched unceremoniously back together with misunderstood snippets of languages snatched from the wreckage of conquest and colonialism. It wreaks merciless havoc upon grammar and spelling. It turns clinical terms into insults and children''s tales into filthy euphemisms.

With an emphasis on understanding where the foulest words in the English language came from-and the disgusting and hilarious histories behind them-this book demonstrates the true filth of our everyday words. But this book is more than just a list of vulgar words and salacious slang. It''s a thoughtful analysis of why we deem words as being inappropriate as well as revealing ''good words'' that have surprisingly naughty origins.

Dirty-minded word nerds and lewd linguistics lovers will derive unadulterated pleasu

Words from Hell

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    £13.49

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    RRP £14.99 – you save £1.50 (10%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Wed 15 Jul 2026.

    A Hardback by Jess Zafarris

    3 in stock

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      Publisher: John Murray Press
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 1/29/2024
      ISBN13: 9781399808200, 978-1399808200
      ISBN10: 1399808206
      Also in:
      Dictionaries, Reference & Language Language: history and general works

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      The English language is where words go to be tortured and mutilated into unrecognizable shadows of their former selves. It''s where Latin, Greek, and Germanic roots are shredded apart and stitched unceremoniously back together with misunderstood snippets of languages snatched from the wreckage of conquest and colonialism. It wreaks merciless havoc upon grammar and spelling. It turns clinical terms into insults and children''s tales into filthy euphemisms.

      With an emphasis on understanding where the foulest words in the English language came from-and the disgusting and hilarious histories behind them-this book demonstrates the true filth of our everyday words. But this book is more than just a list of vulgar words and salacious slang. It''s a thoughtful analysis of why we deem words as being inappropriate as well as revealing ''good words'' that have surprisingly naughty origins.

      Dirty-minded word nerds and lewd linguistics lovers will derive unadulterated pleasu

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