Swearing: A Social History of Foul Language, Oaths and Profanity in English - Softcover

Hughes, Geoffrey

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140267077 ISBN 13: 9780140267075

Publisher: Penguin, 1998

Synopsis

Paperback. Pub Date: 1998 09 Pages: 304 Publisher: Penguin Swearing in the English language has a long history that encompasses a Rich Variety of Modes including Heroic Oaths. Sacred Undertakings. Profane and blasphemous curses. Taboo insults charged with sexual and excremental four-letter words. competitive foul language. and racist hate speech. Tracing the history of this intriguing cultural phenomenon from its Anglo-Saxon traditions and those of the Middle Ages. through Shakespeare. the Enlightenment. and the Victorian Era to the Lady Chatterley's Lover trial and various current trends. Geoffrey Hughes explores a fascinating. little-discussed. yet irrepressible part of our linguistic heritage. This edition contains a new Postscript updating various contemporary developments. such as the growth of political correctness.

About this title

Product Description:

Tracing the history of swearing from ancient Anglo-Saxon traditions and those of the Middle Ages, through Shakespeare, the Enlightenment and the Victorians, to the Lady Chatterley trial and various current trends, Geoffrey Hughes explores a fascinating, little discussed yet irrespressible part of our linguistic heritage. This second edition contains a Postscript updating various contemporary developments, such as the growth of Political Correctness.

Review:

"Excellent, non–prescriptive history." Literary Review

"Erudite and splendidly researched book ... quite fascinating." Daily Telegraph

"A provocative and stimulating book." Glasgow Herald

"Professor Hughes shows real skill in handling the social history aspect of the book, blending theme and chronology into a digestive mixture." Punch

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0140267077
• ISBN 13: 9780140267075
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304