English as a Second F*cking Language: How to Swear Effectively, Explained in Detail with Numerous Examples Taken From Everyday Life [Paperback]

Sterling Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 1996

America swears by it!

In the English language, swearing is essential to effective communication. Whether you want to succeed in business, school, or social circles, a strong command of vocabulary is absolutely necessary. Just imagine a stranger to our shores, trying to comprehend the following conversation:

John: Mary, would you like to attend the opera this evening?
Mary: F*cking-A. should I wear my black dress?
John: Why the f*ck not?
Mary: F*cked if I know-Oh, f*ck! I just remembered. It got f*cked up in the wash.
John: Well, f*ck the opera. Let's stay home and f*ck.
Mary: Good f*cking idea.

English as a Second F*cking Language (ESF*L) is the perfect way for nonnative speakers to learn the basics of swearing. At the same time, it also offers native speakers a wide variety of twists and new refinements. Page after page, ESF*L provides a smorgasbord of swearing synonyms designed to boost your vocabulary-everything from the conventional d*mn and sh*t to a host of more inventive terms that would make any truck driver blush. And when you're finished reading, our Final F*cking Exam is the perfect test of your swearing skills. You'll be surprised by how much you've learned!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Great f*cking book!" --Stephen King

About the Author

World-renowned for his innovative lectures and workshops, Professor Sterling Johnson has been teaching English as a second language for over twenty years. He now lives in Pacific Grove, California, where he enjoys a "nice f*cking day" as much as the next fellow.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1 edition (June 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031214329X
• ISBN-13: 978-0312143299
• Product Dimensions: 4.8 x 0.3 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #227,719 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Laugh your a** off. July 12, 2001

By Victoria Tarrani

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Be prepared to laugh and ride the humorous wave with Sterling Johnson.

In the 1970's, George Carlin cited seven words that would never appear on TV, but time and theatrical productions have changed their acceptability. Unfortunately, I cannot list them in this review because they would not be suitable, but they are listed on page 8 of this book.

Cable TV followed the lead when they began showing these R+ rated movies. Language that was not conventional when Carlin clarified what the "bad" words were is now common in conversations.

His and Hers, Hands on experience, Tips and Traps are just a few of the sections that provide alternate words for different body parts and actions. Throughout the book, Johnson gives examples through dialogue. The goal is to help the newcomer with a way to understand what f*ck and other derivatives mean, and which ones are fighting words.

Writers will find this book is a clear definition of how to write true to life dialogue for today's market.

I was expecting a different outlook than definitions of "bad" words, so I was somewhat disappointed. However, this is a valuable resource that is well written and funny.

Victoria Tarrani

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for a foreign person February 4, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

If you are not a native English speaker - and want to *really* understand what these f*cking Americans are talking about - this book is a must-read

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Funniest book I've read in years. December 2, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This is the funniest book I've read in years. This year I'm giving copies to all my friends with open minds (and to a few narrow-minded people who need to lighten up).

I picked up some great expressions I'd never heard before and scored 100% on the final exam at the end of the book, which is a classic in itself.

The dialogues are hilarious, just the thing for aspiring actors to use as practice exercises.

I'd love to see the author on "Politically Incorrect." He'd fit right in.

Maybe they'll make a movie of the book. After all, they made a movie about "Pi." If they ever did make the movie, Bill Murray would be perfect as Sterling Johnson.

I don't know how many times I've picked this book up and read passages aloud to friends. They are always delighted, although some pretend to be shocked.

It's a gem.