Rawson doesn't just define terms; he traces their origins. You’ll learn how Victorian-era modesty turned "legs" into "limbs" and how corporate "restructuring" became a standard mask for mass layoffs.
The dictionary tackles "The Big Three" of euphemisms: death, sex, and bodily functions. However, it is equally strong on modern domains like bureaucracy, war, and political correctness. Notable Features A DICTIONARY Euphemisms ^Other Doubletalk
The author maintains a dry, scholarly humor throughout. He treats the human tendency toward obfuscation as both a necessary social lubricant and a dangerous tool for political manipulation. Rawson doesn't just define terms; he traces their origins
The book is exceptionally well-indexed, allowing you to follow a trail of related terms (e.g., from "perspiration" to "sweat"). However, it is equally strong on modern domains
Rawson explores the evolution of "doubletalk"—words and phrases designed to make the bad seem good or the taboo seem acceptable. The book is organized alphabetically and covers a vast range of human experience, categorized into two main types:
Rawson often highlights how the length of a euphemism is usually proportional to the severity of the truth it hides.
This dictionary is less about "correct" English and more about the . It is an essential read for writers, linguists, or anyone interested in how language can be used to either bridge gaps or build walls between people and the truth.