A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English (Dictionary of Slang and Unconvetional English) [Paperback]

Eric Partridge (Author), Paul Beale (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415291895 | ISBN-13: 978-0415291897 | Publication Date: November 15, 2002 | Edition: 8

The definitive work on slang and unconventional English, this edition is fully revised and updated by Paul Beale and includes some 500 new entries. The dictionary gives a fully documented account of English slang over four centuries and will entertain and inform all lovers of the English language.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A most fascinating book; an archaeological museum, a veritable Madame Tussaud's of the vulgar language. It is a really epoch-making, monumental piece of work, carried out with astonishing industry and learning.
–New Statesman

About the Author

Eric Honeywood Partridge renowned philologist, etymologist and lexicographer, dedicated his life to the study of language but it is for his work on slang, and in particular his flagship dictionary, The Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, that he is most widely remembered and admired.

Product Details

• Paperback: 1432 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 8 edition (November 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415291895
• ISBN-13: 978-0415291897
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.6 x 3.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #984,811 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most entertaining of dictionaries, June 28, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English (Hardcover)

Both informative and fun to read, the Dictionary contains both definitions and word history for ALL levels of colloquial English. Unlike other dictionaries of the sort, it includes even words that were colloquial or slang once.

Before I read it I didn't realise that history of words could be so entertaining. E. Partridge has presented a hoard of entertaining information in an entertaining way.

Even if you know all the English there is to know, the Dictionary is full of word stories you might still like to read. Do you know how the organ representing human courage over the centuries went all the way from heart to pluck, down to guts and below?

I haven't checked the facts for a few years, but it still may be the largest collection of slang and colloquial terms for ANY slanguage

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You probably know some words that don't appear in this compendium, but not very many, January 7, 2007

By 

F. Sheffield "fsheff" (San Diego CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English (Dictionary of Slang and Unconvetional English) (Paperback)

Wonderful piece of work, a standard in its field, but a time thief: bet you can't look up just one ...

5.0 out of 5 stars worth every cent!, April 10, 2011

By 

Biologist (Western Australia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English (Dictionary of Slang and Unconvetional English) (Paperback)

I once had a hard copy of this book bought back in late 80's. It provided hours of entertainment then and I missed it greatly when I moved on and the book didn't.
Years later I find myself reunited with what seems like an old friend and we have some catching up to do. Do yourself a favour and buy a copy.