We all use euphemisms. We ask for directions to the "ladies' room" or talk about someone who "passed away." And we all use dysphemisms--offensive speech--more often than we'd probably like to admit. In this fascinating study, Keith Allan and Kate Burridge examine the linguistic, social, and psychological aspects of euphemism and dysphemism. They cover the many shapes euphemism can take, from circumlocution and acronym to hyperbole and understatement, metaphor, and even technical jargon. The book ranges from tabooed body ...
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We all use euphemisms. We ask for directions to the "ladies' room" or talk about someone who "passed away." And we all use dysphemisms--offensive speech--more often than we'd probably like to admit. In this fascinating study, Keith Allan and Kate Burridge examine the linguistic, social, and psychological aspects of euphemism and dysphemism. They cover the many shapes euphemism can take, from circumlocution and acronym to hyperbole and understatement, metaphor, and even technical jargon. The book ranges from tabooed body parts to political uses of euphemism and dysphemism. Along the way, the authors provide illuminating discussions of word origins, the use of bawdy language in Shakespeare, and many other fascinating topics.
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