A Dictionary of Euphemisms - Brossura

Holder, R. W.

Brossura

ISBN 10: 0192800515 ISBN 13: 9780192800510

Casa editrice: Oxford Univ Pr, 1997

Riassunto

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, Revised Edition, 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, the Dictionary 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.

Su questo libro

Informazioni sull'autore

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

Dettagli dell'edizione

• Editore: Oxford Univ Pr
• Data di pubblicazione: 1997
• Lingua: Inglese
• ISBN 10: 0192800515
• ISBN 13: 9780192800510
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 470
• Contatto del produttore: non disponibile
• Persona responsabile: Ufficio Anagrafiche Messaggerie; ufficio.anagrafiche@meli.it; ; Via Verdi, 8; Assago Milano; 20090; Italia