How not to say what you mean
Subtitle: a dictionary of euphemisms
By: R.W. Holder.
Contributors: Holder, R. W.
Edition: 3rd ed.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 2002
Place of publication: Oxford; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 501
Subjects: English language -- Euphemism -- Dictionaries; English language -- Synonyms and antonyms; English language -- Terms and phrases; Vocabulary
Genres: Dictionaries.
Description: 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.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [x]-xx) and index.
Rev. ed. of: A dictionary of euphemisms. 1995.