Provides definitions and usage for hundred of phrases and icons used in popular culture, such as blockbuster, smoking gun, Dennis the Menace, and lame duck

Reviews

An allusion, according to Webster's 2d, is "an indirect reference in a discourse, by passing mention or quotation, to something generally familiar." More than 900 entries from Abbott and Costello to Zyclon B are in this volume, but the compilers don't give any indication of their criteria for selection. Most of the entries are to names, titles, or phrases used in the last third of the century. Many of them are either sports or war related. Some of the entries include a helpful "use" example. Several are lacking in information. For example, it would have been helpful in the context of defining "Watergate" for the authors to have indicated the burgeoning use of "-gate" as a suffix for any subterfuge. Or with "Berraisms" at least a passing mention of Casey and his unforgettable "Stengelisms." Also what makes Al Capone an allusion but neither Judge Crater nor Jimmy Hoffa? About one third of the entries have a "first used" citation from the Oxford English Dictionary, but the rest have no such note. Most reference departments will want to use this in conjunction with other slang dictionaries. Recommended but not essential.
- Paula M. Zieselman, Debevoise & Plimpton, New York
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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