Euphemania
Our Love Affair with Euphemisms
Contributors
By Ralph Keyes
Buy from Other Retailers:
- On Sale
- Dec 14, 2010
- Page Count
- 288 pages
- Publisher
- Little Brown Spark
- ISBN-13
- 9780316121958
A witty exploration of euphemisms in modern language, examining how indirect expressions shape communication, culture, and the way people soften uncomfortable truths.
How did die become kick the bucket, underwear become unmentionables, and having an affair become hiking the Appalachian trail?
Originally used to avoid blasphemy, honor taboos, and make nice, euphemisms have become embedded in the fabric of our language. Euphemania traces the origins of euphemisms from a tool of the church to a form of gentility to today's instrument of commercial, political, and postmodern doublespeak.
As much social commentary as a book for word lovers, Euphemania is a lively and thought-provoking look at the power of words and our power over them.
How did die become kick the bucket, underwear become unmentionables, and having an affair become hiking the Appalachian trail?
Originally used to avoid blasphemy, honor taboos, and make nice, euphemisms have become embedded in the fabric of our language. Euphemania traces the origins of euphemisms from a tool of the church to a form of gentility to today's instrument of commercial, political, and postmodern doublespeak.
As much social commentary as a book for word lovers, Euphemania is a lively and thought-provoking look at the power of words and our power over them.
Formats and Prices
Price
$12.99Price
$16.99 CADFormat
Format:
- ebook $12.99 $16.99 CAD
- Hardcover $36.00 $46.00 CAD