Words from Hell: Unearthing the Darkest Secrets of English Etymology

The English language is a place where words are tortured and mutilated, with Latin, Greek, and Germanic roots being shredded apart and stitched back together with misunderstood snippets of languages. This book explores the origins of swear words, sexual lingo, inappropriate idioms, violent vocabulary, and terminology for bodily functions, combining humor, scholarly research, and a beautiful design. It is a book to enjoy, collect, and revisit.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: John Murray Press

The English language is a playground for words to be twisted and mutilated, where Latin, Greek, and Germanic roots are torn apart and haphazardly reassembled with snippets of misunderstood languages plucked from the ruins of conquest and colonialism. It mercilessly ravages grammar and spelling, transforming clinical terms into insults and children's tales into vulgar euphemisms. This book delves into the origins of the foulest words in the English language, exploring the disgusting and hilarious histories behind them. It goes beyond a mere list of vulgar words and salacious slang, offering a thoughtful analysis of why we consider certain words inappropriate. It uncovers surprising origins of swear words, sexual lingo, inappropriate idioms, violent vocabulary, and terminology for bodily functions. For those with a dirty mind and a love for lewd linguistics, this book is a treasure trove of inappropriate revelations. It revels in exposing the dark recesses of history, revealing words that you thought were perfectly innocent. With a blend of humor, scholarly research, and a stunning design, this book is a delight to read, collect, and revisit time and time again, true to the Chambers brand.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 206 x 140 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399808200