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

~ (Author) "Fuck is the mother of all words..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

Review

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

Review

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

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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: 7.8 x 4.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #56,153 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Victoria Tarrani "writer, editor, artist, des... (Betwixt FL and CA, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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

22 of 23 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

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

16 of 17 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

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.