Swearing : A Social History of Foul Language, Oaths and Profanity in English

By Geoffrey Hughes

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0631187359
• ISBN13: 9780631187356
• Release Date: January 1970
• Publisher: Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, John
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 1.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.0" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Excellent book on a topic that's usually swept under the rug

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.

it was great

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