Nine nasty words : English in the gutter : then, now, and forever / John McWhorter.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

McWhorter, John H., author.

Contributor:

EBSCOhost.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

English language--Obscene words.

English language.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (x, 276 pages)

Other Title:

9 nasty words

Place of Publication:

New York : Avery, [2021]

System Details:

text file

Summary:

One of the preeminent linguists of our time examines the realms of language that are considered shocking and taboo in order to understand what imbues curse words with such power--and why we love them so much. Profanity has always been a deliciously vibrant part of our lexicon, an integral part of being human. In fact, our ability to curse comes from a different part of the brain than other parts of speech--the urgency with which we say "f&*k!" is instead related to the instinct that tells us to flee from danger. Language evolves with time, and so does what we consider profane or unspeakable. Nine Nasty Words is a rollicking examination of profanity, explored from every angle- historical, sociological, political, linguistic. In a particularly coarse moment, when the public discourse is shaped in part by once-shocking words, nothing could be timelier.

Contents:

Damn and hell: English's first bad words

What is it about fuck?

Profanity and shit

A kick-ass little word

Those certain parts

Why do we call it "the n-word"?

The other f-word

Being in total control, honey!

A motherfucking addendum.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

Electronic reproduction. Ipswich, MA Available via World Wide Web.

Online resource; title from digital title page (viewed on May 20, 2021).

Other Format:

Print version: McWhorter, John H. Nine nasty words.

ISBN:

9780593188804

0593188802

Publisher Number:

99988176055

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.