- Paperback: 524 pages
- Publisher: OUP Oxford; 3 edition (9 Oct 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0198607628
- ISBN-13: 978-0198607625
- Product Dimensions: 19.2 x 12.8 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 599,884 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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The Oxford Dictionary of Euphemisms is a gold mine for anyone who enjoys words (Writing Magazine )
Writing Magazine
"The Oxford Dictionary of Euphemisms is a gold mine for anyone who enjoys words"
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have long been fascinated with the origins of phrases and different usage of our rich language. In this book I anticipated an informative but amusing tour of some of the unexplained oddities of usage as well as a few more useful expressions for use before ones maiden aunt. However in reality there is little humour, many of the entries appear incomplete and the use of profanities seems to be more intended to shock than illuminate, especially as most have a correct term associated with them which is not a euphemism but proper english.
I found the tone at best pedantic and at worst patronising. This book will go straight to the 2nd hand book shelf in our local charity store - 2 weeks after purchase.
I found the tone at best pedantic and at worst patronising. This book will go straight to the 2nd hand book shelf in our local charity store - 2 weeks after purchase.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
6 reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Say What You Mean--Or Use A Euphemism
9 Aug 2000
Format:Paperback
Author, R. W. Holder holds fast to two tests of a euphemism: 1) It must be a substitute for blunt precision or disagreeable truth 2) That a euphemism once meant, or still does mean, something else entirely different. In short, a way to be politically correct. A softer, kinder, way of speech so to speak.
In this work of almost 500 pages, we learn the art of not saying what we mean. Some are almost common language now. Such as "bowel movement", "working girl", "Native American" and "downsizing". Newer ones include, "white knuckler" and "vertically challenged" ( a nice way to say your boss is short)
I enjoy the way this is cross indexed and arranged. I did notice that a great percentage of the material is British. I wonder if that means the Brits are very good at "mums the word"? Seriously, I downrated the review a bit due to that fact.
Filled with thousands of of quotations, definitions, derivations, and historical explanations, this dictionary is extremely comprehensive for perusing.
A good editon for reference collections.
-CDS-
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
This book is what it says it is
14 Dec 2008
Format:Paperback
This book is a good addition to other references for the English language. However, it is, primarily, British in tone and in the material included. Also, some American non-sexual but illicit meanings seem to have entirely escaped the authors. Finally, there is a slight tendency toward prissiness in definitions in some areas where an American might give an even blunter definition.
A Dictionary of Euphemisms
4 Jan 2011
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Book came in a timely manner and was in excellent condition. I am totally satisfied with what I have gotten.
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