Ntc's Dictionary of Euphemisms [Paperback]

Anne Bertram (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1999

The expressions we use to avoid taboo subjects are often totally baffling to non-native speakers. Here are more than 2,000 of the most widespread euphemisms, each with a sentence example, in areas such as death, drunkenness, pregnancy, body parts, and body processes, as well as terms and phrases we use to be "politically correct." Includes an index that places euphemisms in various thematic categories.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Ntc Pub Group (November 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0844208434
• ISBN-13: 978-0844208435
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,918,970 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love Child or Bastard ???, January 14, 2002

By 

Muhammad Abdullah Mubarak Al-Mubarak (Ras Tanura, Najmah Saudi Arabia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ntc's Dictionary of Euphemisms (Hardcover)

About three years ago and before I knew amazon.com, I bought this book form a bookstore in Saudi Arabia. To begin with, I was so hesitant to purchase it because I did not know the meaning of " Euphemisms". A brainstorming was going in my mind " what the hell are Euphemisms? Are they idioms, proverbs, or phrasal verbs...or...? In fact, before I browsed it, I thought that this book is not for studying English because sometimes this bookstore is messy and it happed more than once I found medicine and coking books in English dictionaries section. And what made it worst is the price of the book. It cost [amt]. However, all my worries and queries evaporated after I had read the back cover of the book where the author has shown the importance of euphemisms.Then, I was completely convinced by what she wrote, and I got it despite its price. The key point here is what motivates me to buy it?

First, I strongly believe that every man jack of us will be in a situation in which he/she will have to use a pleasant name for something that is unpleasant. Body Parts, Body Process, Medicine, and Sex are vary good examples of issues where you need to use a mild, vague, or inoffensive terms in place of ones considered harsh, blunt or offensive or unpleasantly direct. There are many examples that can be used to show the importance of learning Euphemisms. For instance, one can use the term "love child" to refer to a child born to unmarried parents. Another one can use the word " bastard". Yes, both of the two terms have the same meaning. However, the later is usually offensive. This book deals with many situations in which you will find that Euphemisms are the solution to emotionally avoid hurting some people feelings.

Another good reason for recommending this book is that the author, Anne Bertram, has clearly explained the meaning of the terms provided in this book. Additionally, she provided each term with examples sentences to clarify its uses.

Moreover, she classified the terms according to their usage issues and put them in a very well organized index at the end of her book. Finally, this book has really made me very interested in further books about euphemisms. And I see eye to eye with the author on that Euphemisms are entertaining. I am sure you will love learning them.