Dictionary of Euphemisms and Politically Correct Language

Title: Dictionary of Euphemisms and Politically Correct Language

Author: M. de Coster

Binding: Paperback

EAN: 9789020420449

Condition: Good

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Description:
Dictionary of Euphemisms and Politically Correct Language 1st edition is a book by Marc De Coster published by Veen Het Taalfonds. ISBN 9789020420449

Speaking with velvet gloves. The phenomenon is as old as humanity. More than 2000 years ago, the ancient Greeks already knew the verb 'euphèmein', which meant something like: 'to let only good words be heard and to avoid disturbing sounds.' Whoever spoke well could not irritate the gods and therefore could not unleash demons.

Even today we continually soften or evade an unpleasant truth. There are phenomena, actions or diseases that we simply prefer not to name: the Great Disease; transgressive behavior; something human; opportunity zone; character dancer; shortchanging oneself; chaste friendship; lifelong home; massage parlor; new age child; the oldest movement in the world; pacifying; Rubenesque; stupid sin; care companies.

The Dictionary of Euphemisms and Politically Correct Language explains why we camouflage our fears, accept taboos, conceal our secret desires, constantly want to climb the social ladder and apologize for our behavior. The collection includes more than 2000 classic euphemisms from the sixteenth to the twentieth century. It is an entertaining book to browse through for hours. At the same time, it is a handy reference work, with definitions, references, explanations of origin and numerous sources from literature and contemporary media.