How Not to Say what You 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. Here, author Holder celebrates this human tendency to use mild, vague, or roundabout expressions rather than those which are blunt, precise, and true. The dictionary provides definitions, examples, as well as historical explanations where appropriate.--From publisher description.

Year:2002

Edition:3rd

Publisher:Oxford University Press, USA

Language:English

Pages:536 / 525

ISBN 10:0198604025

ISBN 13:9780198604020

Series:Oxford Paperback Reference

File:PDF, 13.39 MB