Words From Hell by Jess Zafarris

Words From Hell

Unearthing the Darkest Secrets of English Etymology

Jess Zafarris

Hachette Mobius · Print & ebook · September 24, 2024

The English language is where words go to be tortured and mutilated into unrecognizable shadows of their former selves.

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Who it’s for
A sharp, mordant guide to the weird afterlife of English words.
Themes
language history, taboo and vulgarity, linguistic humor
Pacing
Mixed

About this book

The English language is where words go to be tortured and mutilated into unrecognizable shadows of their former selves. It's where Latin, Greek, and Germanic roots are shredded apart and stitched unceremoniously back together with misunderstood snippets of languages snatched from the wreckage of conquest and colonialism. It wreaks merciless havoc upon grammar and spelling. It turns clinical terms into insults and children's tales into filthy euphemisms.

Continue reading

With an emphasis on understanding where the foulest words in the English language came from-and the disgusting and hilarious histories behind them-this book demonstrates the true filth of our everyday words. But this book is more than just a list of vulgar words and salacious slang. It's a thoughtful analysis of why we deem words as being inappropriate as well as revealing 'good words' that have surprisingly naughty origins. Dirty-minded word nerds and lewd linguistics lovers will derive unadulterated pleasure in leering at the origins of swear words, sexual lingo, inappropriate idioms, violent vocabulary, and terminology for bodily functions-not to mention the unexpectedly foul origins of words you thought were perfectly innocent. If it's inappropriate, stomach-churning, uncomfortable, or offensive, this book reaches into the dark recesses of history and exposes them for all to see. True to the Chambers brand, this book combines humor, scholarly research and a beautiful design. It is a book to enjoy, collect and revisit time and time again.

Dark Word Roots

A sharp, mordant guide to the weird afterlife of English words.

Come here for

  • darkly playful word origins
  • English’s stranger etymological corners

Expect

  • historical linguistics with attitude
  • sociolinguistic texture, not dry trivia

Where it sits

Word Origins93%
Language Humor51%
Sociolinguistics40%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • Historical Linguistics
  • Word Origins
Authors
Jess Zafarris
Publisher
Hachette Mobius
Published
September 24, 2024
Format
Print & ebook
Theme
language history · taboo and vulgarity · linguistic humor
Reading lane
Historical Linguistics