Home › Books › Nine Nasty Words: English in the Gutter: Then, No…
Nine Nasty Words: English in the Gutter: Then, Now, and Forever
by
73/99
Critics' Rating Index
52/99
Readers' Rating Index
82/99
Scholars' Citation Index
51/99
Volume of Reviews
80/99
Volume of Reader Ratings
Sign in to add to your shelf, rate, or review this book.
About This Book
One of the preeminent linguists of our time examines the realms of language that are considered shocking and taboo in order to understand what imbues curse words with such power--and why we love them so much. Profanity has always been a deliciously vibrant part of our lexicon, an integral part of being human. In fact, our ability to curse comes from a different part of the brain than other parts of speech--the urgency with which we say f&*k! is instead related to the instinct that tells us to flee from danger. Language evolves with time, and so does what we consider profane or unspeakable. Nine Nasty Words is a rollicking examination of profanity, explored from every angle: historical, sociological, political, linguistic. In a particularly coarse moment, when the public discourse is shaped in part by once-shocking words, nothing could be timelier.
Reviews
"In lieu of a complete list of works consulted, McWhorter gives only a bare-bones selected bibliography in his notes ..."
"This colorful, trivia-filled etymology will appeal to word snobs with a wild streak."
"But those who love words and the magic and mischief they make in life will be spellbound ..."
"high on amusement, if short on salient findings ..."
"It makes for a delightful style when you don't have to stop to look up a reference, and alongside the pizzazz is real substance ..."
Preview
Reader Reviews
0 reviewsSign in to write a review.
No reader reviews yet. Be the first!