- Hardcover: 256 pages
- Publisher: Portobello Books Ltd (5 Oct 2009)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1846271681
- ISBN-13: 978-1846271687
- Product Dimensions: 21.2 x 15.6 x 3.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 377,199 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Review
`Offers curious facts and ideas that leaves one amazed at the vast profane creativity of language' - Observer --Review
`A consistently enjoyable treatise on English swearing ... a generous buffet of facts surrounding our linguistic depravities' - Herald
--Review
`A consistently enjoyable treatise on English swearing ... a generous buffet of facts surrounding our linguistic depravities' - Herald
--Review
Product Description
When the Sex Pistols swore live on tea-time telly in 1976, there was outrage across Britain. Headlines screamed. Christians marched. TVs were kicked in. Thirty years on, all those words are media-mainstream - bandied about with impunity on TV and in the papers. This is the story of our bad language and its three-decade journey from the fringes of decency to the working centre of a more linguistically liberal nation. Silverton takes a clear, comprehensive and witty look at swearing and the impact of its new acceptability on our language, our manners, and our society. He considers how we have become more openly emotional, yet more wary about insulting others. And how it's seemingly become alright to say **** and **** but not ****** or ****. This is the story of that cultural revolution, written by one who was there at the start, proudly striking some of the first blows in the long struggle for the right to reclaim filthy English and use it.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Get wise to being rude - a liberating read,
By Lo Jardinier (France) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Filthy English: The How, Why, When and What of Everyday Swearing (Hardcover)
I had great fun reading this book. I defy anyone to get through a chapter without reading some fact or quote - or several - to a partner or friend. Peter Silverton gives us a well-researched history of cursing, debunking many myths along the way, so that use of the (very funny) index makes this a handy reference for all those 'Where did the word ---- come from?' arguments. And who would have thought it of Emily Bronte? There are forays into effing on record (long, long before rap) and blinding around the world (from Canadian churches to the Russian underground). Silverton knows his popular culture (he was a journalist on music and broadsheet papers), and the book is up-to-date on current broadcasting debates. He also uses insights from linguistics and psychology to understand the many stories about swearing which his interviewees and sources seem to have enjoyed relating to him. This is a book to renew your delight in all language: 'filthy' is an F-word, but so are flexible, forceful, funny and free.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
You will have to put it down,
By Michele Noble de Lima (Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Filthy English: The How, Why, When and What of Everyday Swearing (Hardcover)
I am absolutely loving this book. Warning though... it is not one of those 'can't put it down' type of books. This is because you can only read a paragraph or so before you have to grab whoever is nearest to discuss the latest revelation. Some of the stuff that's been going on out there, and me all oblivious and innocent! I thought I was pretty streetwise until I started reading this. Now I feel rather silly but very pleased that I now know some things like... saying 'your mum' can get you in a whole heap of trouble.
It is clear that the author has done a heck of a lot of research but also, he has a very admirable street cred rating which also comes through in the text. This is an erudite read that is also accessible and amusing so should please a wide range of readers. Buy it for your mum. Oops sorry! I shouldn't have said 'your mum' I do apologise.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An effin' good read,
By
This review is from: Filthy English: The How, Why, When and What of Everyday Swearing (Hardcover)
If you ever wondered what's the most offensive word in the Western World, or when the F-Word was recorded and played on radio for the first time, or just wanted to really insult your Ukranian friends - this is a book you should go out and get.
It's rare to find a book about the English language that isn't either dry or superficial; but this book is not only effin' hilarious, it's also highly informative as well as insightful and at times even controversial in its attitude towards swearing. It's very clear that the author loves swearing, and this love translates itself into every page of this book. Packed full of anecdotes, historical and pop culture trivia and personal stories about the author's family and friends, this makes a great read that you'll want to share with everyone around you. A great Xmas gift for your less prudish family & friends.
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