A Man About A Dog: Euphemisms and Other Examples of Verbal Squeamishness

Rees, Nigel

ISBN 10: 0007214545 / ISBN 13: 9780007214549

Published by Harper Uk, 2008

About this Item

400 pages. 8.25x5.25x1.00 inches. In Stock.

Seller Inventory # x-0007214545

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Man About A Dog: Euphemisms and Other Examples of Verbal Squeamishness
• Publisher: Harper Uk
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0007214545
• ISBN 13: 9780007214549
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Brand New
• Weight: 0.39 kilograms

About this title

Synopsis

Quentin Crisp once quipped that "euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne."  This leading commentator on the English language has ranged far and wide to collect and comment upon 2,467 examples of euphemistic phrases—those expressions that so inventively display the art of mincing words. From the politically correct to the highly incorrect, this book goes in ruthless pursuit of the coy, the prudish, the squeamish, the obfuscatory, and the blatant reshaping of the truth. So whether you "have to see a man about a dog" or just need to "powder your nose," this entertaining reference will show you how not to say what you mean.

About the Author

Nigel Rees is the creator and host of the long running game show Quote . . . Unquote, and is the author of more than 50 books, including Encyclopedia of Phrases, I Told You I Was Sick and A Word in Your Shell-Like.