How Not to Say What You Mean: A Dictionary of Euphemisms

by R.W. Holder

Book Overview

We often use euphemisms when dealing with taboo or sensitive subjects. We speak of "full-figured" women. We "fudge" on our income tax. We get "cold feet" before our wedding. In How Not to Say What You Mean, R.W. Holder offers an engaging volume that celebrates this human tendency to use mild, vague, or roundabout expressions rather than those which are blunt, precise, and true.
Arranged in alphabetical order, this dictionary contains thousands...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0198604025
• ISBN13: 9780198604020
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 528 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.8" x 7.9" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

An adventure in the English language

Cool means: low temperature. Or does it mean that's fine? Or suave? Or relaxed? "Oxford Dictionary of Euphemisms: How Not To Say What You Mean" is an adventure in the English language outlining the countless words in the English language that have so many meanings thanks to changing times and slang, that it's hard for even a native speaker to stay on top of the changes. "Oxford Dictionary of Euphemisms" is a must for anyone who speaks English or is trying to learn when everyone else is barely speaking it to begin with.

You have to read to the fine print

This is the fourth edition of a venerable and useful work that first appeared in 1987, according to the jacket notes. These jacket notes are easily readable, owing to the choice of a civilized type face and size. The same cannot be said for the bulk of this otherwise admirable volume itself. Most persons reading this review will know that the euphemism "small print" means, as the book says: "onerous conditions in a contract which are not given prominence." However, in this review, "small (or fine) print" means much of the main body of the text, which is in print that many will find hard to read without a magnifier. Despite my cavil about the tiny font used to print much of this book, it is a gem. Not only are the terms arranged in alphabetical order, dictionary-style, with examples of usage and micro-essays , they are also placed alphabetically into fourteen different thematic groupings, each preceded by a little essay on the subject. These page-and-a-half-sized essays are well-written and rewarding to those who can tease out the words from the miniscule printing. Thus one can immerse oneself into the world of evasive language in each of these fourteen rubrics: Addictions, Affairs of State, Bodily Functions, Childbirth, Crime and Punishment, etc. It is amusing and instructive to do so. I recommend this book to all word-fanciers whose vision, natural or enhanced, is up to it.

Must read for lovers of words

The contents may be offensive to some readers. So be it! Words and their usage are part of our language. As an aside, I'd like to see someone take on the task of relating euphemisms to short titles of Congressional bills: Leave No Child Behind Act; Fair Tax Act; The USA Patriot Act; Help American Vote Act...

A fun reference book that may make you blush...

This is a good reference book for readers and writers, and possibly courageous public speakers. A thematic index at the back of the book makes finding the right term easy. The entries provide concise, clear definitions, as well as quoted sources which add clarity as to the origin and usage of the word or phrase. These authorities are cross-referenced to an author/work bibliography in the front of the book, handy for those who wish to conduct further research. Many of the euphemisms deal with sexual topics, a possible commentary on either the repressive or playful nature of our social mores. Most of the words and phrases are modern, at least within the last fifty years, but some obsolete terms are included, often to show comparison to current usage. While not an exhaustive study of euphemisms, or a substitution for a good slang dictionary, this is a great reference book to have, to use, and to read -- just for the fun of it.

Straightforwardness over euphemism every time

R.W. Hodderfs dictionary is very helpful for those of us who want to say and write to be helpful without ambiguity, and who rail against the subversion of political correctness.How Not To Say What You Mean is the updated guide to probity, candor, earthiness, and straightforwardness. The dictionary provides definitions with example sentences as well as explanations where appropriate. Thematically indexed the entries are wide-ranging: work, sexuality, bankruptcy, clothing, education, politics and aircraft, provide the real meaning for phrases well-known and obscure we come across daily in speech and writing such as liquidity crisis, coronary inefficiency, four-letter man, normalization, investigative journalism, governmental relations, ethically challenged and year of progress.Itfs a dictionary to browse, to be entertained by and take courage from. Highly recommended for all who have the courage to say and write what we mean.