Japanese Street Slang

Want to ask for a reputable speed dealer in Japanese? Want to be amused? Even if you have no interest in Japanese at all, this book will be an invaluable addition to your library of "cool" books. Buy it!

This ranks among one of my favorite bedside books. Page long explainations of certain words, with detailed comments on related words, history, regionalization. It's a little naughty, but with a scholorly flair. His translations of japanese sentances are like what you always wish they taught in high school french, and Constantine's command of English slang is impressive. The best part is his look at japanese culture through slang. Constantine uncovers gem after gem. It's unlikely that I'll ever be fluent enough in Japanese to judge the veracity of the book, but it rings true, and is a delight to read, even if you will never need to know the Japanese word for Lesbian, or when a root is more than just a root.