How Not to Say What You Mean: A Dictionary of Euphemisms

Renamed How Not To Say What You Mean, this brand new edition of A Dictionary of Euphemisms is still as lively a guide to the language of evasion, hypocrisy, prudery, and deceit as you could wish for. Packed full of the old favourites, such as 'early bath' or 'push up the daisies', as well as euphemisms from modern times, like 'human sacrifice', 'coffee-housing', and 'tuft-hunter'.

"Euphemists are a lively, inventive, self-regarding and bumptious bunch. Holder goes among them with an etymological glint in his eye."-Iain Finlayson, Financial Times

"this fascinating book...don't put this dictionary in the loo - there's another euphemism for you - or else guests will never come out. It's unputdownable once you open it." Peter Mullen, Yorkshire Post

"Ordered alphabetically and indexed by subject, lovers of word play will have a field day." Paul James, Herald Express (Torquay)

"Your complete guide to every euphemism you could ever want to know, and many you would rather not." Daily Mail

The third edition of this dictionary updates each entry with the latest usage. The entry for each euphemism includes its definition, the original meaning of the term, and quotations with the term. A thematic index is included, which confirms the use of euphemisms to refer to taboo subjects in a prudish society. Holder, who lives in England, has written the dictionary for an English-speaking audience, and British usage predominates. Those examples used mainly in the US or Scotland are noted as such. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

We all use euphemisms every day. We speak of "full-figured" women. We "fudge" on our income tax. We step lively to avoid "horse apples"--and step even livelier in the grip of the "Aztec Two-step." We say that the dead have "bit the dust" or have been "promoted to glory." Now, in A Dictionary of Euphemisms, R. W. Holder gives us an engaging volume that celebrates this human tendency to use mild, vague or roundabout expressions rather than those which are blunt, precise, and disagreeably true.

Here are thousands of entertaining and informative entries that range from long-established circumlocutions such as "everlasting life," "the Grim Reaper," "powder room," and "house of ill repute," to recent coinages such as "odorously challenged" (smelly), "corporate entertainment" (bribery), "AMW - actress, model, whatever" (prostitute), "downsizing" (laying off workers), and "white-knuckler" (a commercial flight on a small aircraft). Arranged in alphabetical order, the Dictionary gives definitions, examples from real authors, and historical explanations where appropriate. Holder also includes an extensive bibliography and, equally important, a Thematic Index, so that readers can look up euphemistic words and expressions for Death, Mental Illness, Narcotics, Obesity, Poverty, and other topics.

A Dictionary of Euphemisms is a browser's delight and an essential reference book for all lovers of language. Readers will find in it a captivating guide to the art of not saying what we mean.

We often use euphemisms when dealing with taboo or sensitive subjects. We speak of "full-figured" women. We "fudge" on our income tax. We get "cold feet" before our wedding. In How Not to Say What You Mean, R.W. Holder offers an engaging volume that celebrates this human tendency to use mild, vague, or roundabout expressions rather than those which are blunt, precise, and true.

Arranged in alphabetical order, this dictionary contains thousands of entertaining and informative entries ranging from such circumlocutions as a "fruit salad" (mixture of illegal narcotics), "arm candy" (a good-looking female companion), a "barrel-house" (a brothel), "birthday suit" (nakedness), and a "blue hair" (an old women). Completely updated, the dictionary provides definitions, examples, as well as historical explanations where appropriate.

Fun, fascinating, lively, and at times shocking, this new edition of How Not to Say What You Mean is a browser's delight and will appeal to all language and word play lovers, and anyone looking for a good laugh.

R. W. Holder is the director of numerous companies, speaks several languages, and travels widely. He is also the author of Thinking About Management (Warner, 1994).

Contents

An Explanation

Bibliography

Dictionary of Euphemisms

Thematic Index