Slang and Euphemism, 3rd revised ed.

I've had this book for decades it seems and still find it amusing (although I must say I don't keep it where the children can easily reach it). I think one of the appeals is that it reaches across time for equivalences and derivations. Nothing says more about a period of time, for example, than how it expresses the itself. And if you are fond of verbiage I would think you should like this book very well. Just look at some of what is written under the heading for 'depart': answer the final summons cock up one's toes drop off the hook join the great majority pull a cluck squiff it stick one's spoon in the wall sun one's moccasins swelt take an earth bath tip over Five Stars. Great entertainment for those who like obscure and profane words. Spear's discussion about Slang, Euphemism, what is Taboo, protecting children, etc. at the beginning of the book is very interesting although brief (I would have liked more). Extensive Bibliography at the end.

this book reads like a dictinary full of 1000's of terms

This book is very up-to-date with the latest terms for people who need to get caught up with todays social language.

This book is invaluable as a reference if you want to understand other people?s slang. True, its content centers round sexual slang, but then that?s true of slang itself. For sure, most words you will hear ?on the street? are contained in this little gem, though sometimes they?re difficult to find. The origins can sometimes be interesting, as can the dates of origin of many phrases. I particularly liked the phrase ?to rattle your dags?, meaning to move very quickly. This originated in Australia, dags being the dried excrement that collects on the wool at the rear of a sheep. Apparently it can make a noise when the creature walks.I agree with what one of the other reviewers says. Because this is the abridged edition, some of the cross-references don?t cross-reference (hence the deduction of one star). However, for writers looking for the unusual, Slang and Euphemism is a great source if information. Unfortunately, you might find yourself including something in your dialog that nobody else understands. ?Ah, the guy?s a gonif.? - ?No way. He might be a bit ishkimmisk, but no way a slommocks.? - ?Get out a here, he?s a real gollumpus.?It probably pays to maintain a good sense of humor when delving into Slang and Euphemism. Taking it too seriously will do your head in. On the other hand, if your partner asks you if you feel like a little light culbutizing exercise, you?ll know how to respond!

Not only does this dictionary provide a comprehensive look at slang, it also gives dates of use and a helpful synonym cross-reference, so that if you're looking for a term appropriate to a period, you can find it. I couldn't work without it.