Bad words and what they tell us
Gooden, Philip2019
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The most contentious area of English, the one that raises the most debate, discomfort and even fear is the use of taboo words and contentious expressions. Many people assume that these words must relate principally to sex and body parts but forbidden terms shift through the ages, with the result that current verbal taboos are just as likely to occupy racial and even political areas rather than sexual ones. However blasé or sophisticated we consider ourselves, plenty of these terms, whether connected to sex or religion or race, retain their power to shock as well as having an intrinsic fascination. Where do they come from? When did they enter the English language and how have they changed in form or impact over the years? And how is it that a short string of letters and sounds, a single syllable or two, can possess the almost magical power to offend, distress or infuriate?
Main title:
Bad words and what they tell us / Philip Gooden.
Author:
Gooden, Philip, author
Imprint:
London : Robinson, 2019.
Collation:
viii, 312 pages ; 21 cm
Notes:
Author's surname appears on title page, cover and spine with Good crossed out.
ISBN:
9781472141576 (hbk. :)
Language:
English
Subject:
BRN:
2518450
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