Dictionary of Obscenity, Taboo & Euphemism (Wordsworth Reference) [Paperback]

J. MacDonald (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1853263710 | ISBN-13: 978-1853263712 | Publication Date: December 1999

This dictionary looks at the traditionally taboo subject of bodily functions, sex and religion, and arrives at conclusions about the array of words relating to them. It lists definitions, origins and changes of usage and meaning, with entries supplemented by quotes.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Wordsworth Edition (December 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1853263710
• ISBN-13: 978-1853263712
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,692,424 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

James McDonald is Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society in Britain, and holds a number of professional qualifications. He also holds an MA in mathematics from Oxford University, and an MSc in Operational Research from Sussex University. He lives in the South of France.

Previous books published, listed below

He is also the webmaster of the most authoritative website on the Cathars on the web, www.cathar.info

James McDonald has also written government reports, magazine articles, and a regular column for the Sunday Express in the UK.

Wordly Wise has been adapted into a national weekly BBC radio program in the UK (Wordly Wise on Radio 4).

A Dictionary of Obscenity, Taboo and Euphemism was reprinted by Sphere in 1989, and has been reprinted again by Wordsworth under the title A Dictionary of Obscenity, and Taboo.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting read, November 21, 2000

By 

Matthew E. Twardy (Latham, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dictionary of Obscenity, Taboo & Euphemism (Wordsworth Reference) (Paperback)

This book not only gives the meanings behind a great number of obscenities in the english language (many of wich I never heard before) it also gives the history of the words and how they came to be concidered taboo to use. It is a very interesting read espicially for someone who is wondring why some words are concidered to be "bad".

5.0 out of 5 stars Puts it all in perspective, July 19, 2004

By 

Simon (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dictionary of Obscenity, Taboo & Euphemism (Wordsworth Reference) (Paperback)

It's amazing just how offended people get when they hear a swear word. When you've read this book they don't seem so bad.

This is an extremly interesting reference to all those who like the seamier side of the english language. The origins of each word are presented in an informative and humerous way. In each case, wherever possible, the country of origin is presented and I'm proud to say that there are quite a few Australin contributions.