Fair of Speech: The Uses of Euphemism - Softcover
Can a bomb ever be "clean"? Are we relieved to be warned that there will be an "odor" when once we were told that something would "stink"? Or when is a euphemism a mark of good taste and when is it a sign of verbal obfuscation? To answer such questions, Enright invited 16 distinguished writers to ponder and explore the ubiquitous phenomenon of euphemism. The result is a delightful and provocative collection that not only includes general reflections on euphemism and its history but also treats such specific categories as sex, death, and other natural functions; politics; the language of the great Christian texts; euphemisms spoken to and by children; the law; medicine; office life; and the jargon of official spokesmen, military communiques, and tyrants. Such writers as Diane Johnson, Robert Nisbet, John Gross, Robert Burchfield, and Joseph Epstein bring a variety of perspectives and sensibilities to bear on these topics. Because euphemisms are so intimate and integral to our thinking, any study of them is bound to throw light on the human condition, both past and present. Humor here jostles horror and the homely alternates with the farfetched. Taken together they form an eloquent and often amusing testament to the richness of the subject. Contents: Mother or maid? An introduction / D.J. Enright -- An outline history of euphemisms in English / Robert Burchfield -- Euphemisms in Greece and Rome / Jasper Griffin -- Soft soap and the nitty-gritty / Robert M. Adams -- Sex and euphemism / Joseph Epstein -- Euphemism and argot in France / Richard Cobb -- Euphemisms and children / Catherine Storr -- In the office / Jeremy Lewis -- Elizabeth Bennet's fine eyes / Patricia Beer -- Euphemisms and the media / Derwent May -- The law / David Pannick -- Do doctors mean what they say? / Diane Johnson and John F. Murray -- The religious speak-easy / Peter Mullen -- Politics / Simon Hoggart -- The state / Robert Nisbet -- Intimations of mortality / John Gross.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherOxford Univ Pr
- Publication date1986
- ISBN 10 0192830600
- ISBN 13 9780192830609
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages222
- Rating
Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace
Stock Image
Fair of Speech: Uses of Euphemism (Oxford Paperbacks)
Published by
Oxford Univ Pr
(1986)
ISBN 10: 0192830600
ISBN 13: 9780192830609
Used
Paperback
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Good. The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR005199200
Buy Used
US$ 1.00
Convert currency
Seller Image
Fair of Speech: Uses of Euphemism (Oxford Paperbacks)
Published by
Oxford Paperbacks
(1986)
ISBN 10: 0192830600
ISBN 13: 9780192830609
Used
Softcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A tan to the pages. Seller Inventory # wbb0024465357
Buy Used
US$ 1.00
Convert currency
Stock Image
Fair of Speech: The Uses of Euphemism
Published by
Oxford Univ Pr
(1986)
ISBN 10: 0192830600
ISBN 13: 9780192830609
Used
Softcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: Very Good. 1698575553. 10/29/2023 10:32:33 AM. Seller Inventory # U9780192830609
Buy Used
US$ 4.17
Convert currency
Stock Image
Fair of Speech : Uses of Euphemism
Published by
Prentice Hall PTR
(1986)
ISBN 10: 0192830600
ISBN 13: 9780192830609
Used
Softcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: Very Good. Ships from the UK. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # GRP89608953
Buy Used
US$ 5.44
Convert currency
Seller Image
Fair of speech: the uses of euphemism / edited by D.J. Enright
Published by
Oxford; New York: Oxford Univ. Press
(1986)
ISBN 10: 0192830600
ISBN 13: 9780192830609
Used
Softcover
First Edition
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description 1st Edition. Very good paperback copy; edges slightly dust-dulled and nicked. Wrappers slightly dust-toned. Pages tanned as with age. Remains particularly well-preserved overall. Physical description: 222 pages; 22 cm. Notes: Includes index. Subjects: English language Euphemism. English language Composition & style. Language and languages. 1 Kg. Seller Inventory # 315567
Buy Used
US$ 17.63
Convert currency
Stock Image
Fair of Speech: Uses of Euphemism (Oxford Paperbacks)
Published by
Oxford Paperbacks
(1986)
ISBN 10: 0192830600
ISBN 13: 9780192830609
Used
Paperback
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Used; Good. ***Simply Brit*** Welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality. Seller Inventory # mon0001686067
Buy Used
US$ 4.24
Convert currency
Seller Image
Fair of speech: the uses of euphemism / edited by D.J. Enright
Published by
Oxford; New York: Oxford Univ. Press
(1986)
ISBN 10: 0192830600
ISBN 13: 9780192830609
Used
Softcover
First Edition
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description 1st Edition. Very good paperback copy; edges slightly dust-dulled and nicked. Wrappers slightly dust-toned. Pages tanned as with age. Remains particularly well-preserved overall. Physical description: 222 pages; 22 cm. Notes: Includes index. Subjects: English language Euphemism. English language Composition & style. Language and languages. 1 Kg. Seller Inventory # 315567
Buy Used
US$ 9.91
Convert currency
Stock Image
FAIR OF SPEECH: THE USES OF EUPHEMISM.
Published by
OUP
(1986)
ISBN 10: 0192830600
ISBN 13: 9780192830609
Used
PAPERBACK
First Edition
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description PAPERBACK. Condition: VERY GOOD. 1st Edition. 1986. OUP. First reprint. Softback. Book- VG. 8x5. 219pp. Seller Inventory # 1403576
Buy Used
US$ 11.26
Convert currency
Stock Image
FAIR OF SPEECH: THE USES OF EUPHEMISM.
Published by
OUP
(1986)
ISBN 10: 0192830600
ISBN 13: 9780192830609
Used
Paperback
First Edition
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Paperback. Condition: VERY GOOD. 1st Edition. 1986. OUP. First reprint. Softback. Book- VG. 8.5x5.5. 222pp. Seller Inventory # 1506337
Buy Used
US$ 11.26
Convert currency
Stock Image
FAIR OF SPEECH: THE USES OF EUPHEMISM.
Published by
Oxford University Press
(1986)
ISBN 10: 0192830600
ISBN 13: 9780192830609
Used
Paperback
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Paperback. Condition: VERY GOOD. 1986. Oxford University Press. Reprint. Paperback. Book - VG. Protective covered. 8.5.x5.5. 222pp. Seller Inventory # 1384071
Buy Used
US$ 12.54
Convert currency