Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1253 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-10
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback

Customer Reviews

A landmark in linguistic research
This is the most important contribution to the field of sociolinguistics since the pioneering work of Chomsky in the late 1960s. Well known TV personality Roger Mellie has put his unparalleled knowledge of scatological verbiage to a use that has opened up entirely new vistas for language research. Admittedly, he did carry out the original research while at a bit of loose end, thanks to his suspension over an "open mike" incident that involved a comment about Germaine Greer's potential need for more regular interaction with the male member.

Psycholinguistics states that language shapes cultural development and identity. In that case, the English language as presented in the Profanisaurus suggests that the British have a highly developed interest in cheap pornography and fart gags. Our legendary coyness when it comes to discussing sexual matters is reflected in the numerous entries with metaphorical allusions to just about every sex act imaginable (and believe me, having perused this book I'm now aware of a few new ones).

Words and phrases unique to particular regions are well documented, a useful resource now that public broadcasters employ increasing numbers of presenters and announcers with varied dialects. For instance, without the Profanisaurus I would have been stumped when it was announced on BBC News 24 that Peter Andre's parting gift to Jordan was a "Cleveland Steamer" in their marital bed.

While academic in tone, I feel that the Profanisaurus still makes an excellent reference for the educated layman. Regular study will undoubtedly lead to an increased vocabulary, which could prevent those awkward moments when you need to describe something unusual. For example, it's only thanks to reading this book that I found myself able to satisfactorily explain a particularly filthy sexual act that I wished the wife to perform on me. Despite my succinctness she still refused though.

Excellent reference source
An amazing source for all the terms I have come to know and love over the years, plus a lot more. I intend to try and learn a couple of new terms a week so that I can slip them into my daily dialogue, so that I can have a quiet laugh to myself as I use them.

Highly recommended to all profaniphiles out there.

Dont read this whilst eating.
My wife has hid this book from me on several occasions. I often read it in bed late at night and the constant tittering and giggling is extremley annoying for her. Sometimes i have to jump out of bed quickly to avoid choking or with ribache. Read this and throw away the prozac.