Swearing (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: sexual swearing, semantic correlatives, minced oaths, Middle English, Old English, Middle Ages (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Swearing in the English language has a long history that encompasses a rich variety of modes, including heroic oaths, sacred undertakings, profane and blasphemous curses, taboo insults charged with sexual and excremental "four-letter" words, competitive foul language, and racist "hate speech." Tracing the history of this intriguing cultural phenomenon from its Anglo-Saxon traditions and those of the Middle Ages, through Shakespeare, the Enlightenment, and the Victorian Era to the Lady Chatterley's Lover trial and various current trends, Geoffrey Hughes explores a fascinating, little-discussed, yet irrepressible part of our linguistic heritage. This edition contains a new Postscript updating various contemporary developments, such as the growth of political correctness.

About the Author

Geoffrey Hughes is Professor of History of the English Language at the University of the Witwatersand, Johannesburg.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140267077
• ISBN-13: 978-0140267075
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #573,692 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on a topic that's usually swept under the rug, November 2, 2002

By	Scot Mcphee "scotartt" (Brisbane Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an excellent history of the rich lexicon of the true English language. Shows how various traditions such as verbal baiting (flyting), 'blasphemies', and 'profanities' developed in in the tapestry of English ... and interesting in that it describes only a few hundred years ago or less the "four letter words" were just everyday language whereas blasphemy was regarded as beyond the pale. Interesting topsy-turvy compared to today's use!

Learn where common or archiac expressions developed etc. Marvel at the rich linguistic traditions of working class English and the broad variation that Australian swearing can give to a single word.

Although some reviews have said this is "academic" in tone (meaning well researched and footnoted I suppose) and it is indeed rigorous, it is a VERY LIVELY read which any moderately literate person can get excellent enjoyment from.

16 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Written for academics, August 30, 2000

By	James V. O'Connor (Lake Forest, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you are looking for a studious history of foul language, this book might be for you. Everything in author Hughes' book is well documented and footnoted. In my research for my own book, CUSS CONTROL (Three Rivers Press, April 2000), I purchased the 1993 edition of this book. It contained some valuable information, but I found it difficult to read. The author was, and perhaps still is, a professor in South Africa, and his writing style is intellectual and formal. His intention and his audience are different from mine, so a comparison is not really fair. However, unless you are looking for a comprehensive and esoteric study of the use of profanity through the ages, I suggest you page through the book before making a purchase.

3 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars it was great, May 25, 1999

By A Customer

When i read the book i couldn't put the book down, it was so good i recomend it to anyone.