The Surfin'ary: A Dictionary of Surfing Terms and Surfspeak [Paperback]

Trevor Cralle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 13, 2001

Back by popular demand, this is the definitive reference for surf bums everywhere—or at least any gremmie who's ever pondered the semantic subtleties between bitchin', rad, and killer. Informative and often hilarious, this bible of the cult of Kahuna sports over 3,000 alphabetical entries interspersed with surfing history, international surf glossaries, and 500 of the kindest surf photographs and illustrations ever gathered in one place. You'll not only talk the talk—you'll walk the walk. Or rip the curl, as the case may be. Updated for the millennial surfer to keep you on the cutting edge of surfspeak. From aaaaahooo! to zonked, if it was said on, near, or under a surfboard, you'll find it here.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

While first impression might lead one to nominate a title such as this to a "Reference Books from Hell" list, it would be an ill-executed and hasty move. This book is well researched, carefully constructed, and useful--albeit in a limited context. Cralle, the editor/compiler, has done his homework on the water sport in all its incarnations worldwide. While the alphabetical defining of surfer's lingo, slang, and technical terms comprise the book's bulk, there are also interesting prefatory sections and appendixes (covering such topics as the history of surfing, ancient Hawaiian surfing terms, a directory of surfing organizations, etc.). Terms are handily cross-referenced and usage examples, variants, and observations from other sources are employed to good effect. While some surfing slang has entered general colloquial use (and hence is accessible through general or slang dictionaries), much remains in the province of the surfing subculture. In those areas where surfing is popular, this would be a recommended addition to reference collections. Cowabunga, library dudes!-- David M. Turkalo, Social Law Lib., Boston
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"When surfing, do as the dudes do," — Coastal Living"The most comprehensive list of surfing expressions ever."—Surfer magazine"If you think 'hey, dude' is the be-all and end-all of surfer talk, this exhaustive, good-humored book will expand more than your vocabulary."—Los Angeles Time Book Review"Bitchin' book, Trev."—Greg Noll, legendary big-wave surfer"An exhaustive catalog of beach speak."—San Francisco Chronicle

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press; Revised edition (June 13, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580081932
• ISBN-13: 978-1580081931
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #750,853 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great read!, October 7, 2003

By 

popular culture lover (Travelers Rest, SC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Surfin'ary: A Dictionary of Surfing Terms and Surfspeak (Paperback)

I'm proof that this is a really entertaining book, even if you're not a surfer (I'm not). The author gets across a real feel for the surfing subculture. Anyone who is interested in surfing, the ocean, surf music, etc would love this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hysterical Reference for the Surfin'Culture, August 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Surfin'ary: A Dictionary of Surfing Terms and Surfspeak (Paperback)

I bought the original version of this book as a Christmas gift when it was released in 1991. It was so funny, I always intended on getting a copy for myself. I couldn't find a copy after that Christmas and it seemed to go out of print really quick. I have been looking for a used copy ever since. I was really "stoked" (buy the book to read a definition of "stoked") when I checked the web for used copies of the original that there was a new version out! I'm going to buy one and two more for gifts right after I finish this review. Although it's technically a reference book, I actually read it cover to cover before I wrapped it as a gift. I couldn't put it down. I found it fun, easy, and entertaining to read. Even a surfer could read it! (Just kidding. Chill out, Dude!)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book is "in thar", April 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Surfin'ary: A Dictionary of Surfing Terms and Surfspeak (Paperback)

Trevor Cralle captures the essence of the combination of surfing, linguistics and geography. A true "geographer for peace".