Product Description

'Euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne.'(Quentin Crisp). In his latest book, Nigel Rees, one of Britain's foremost commentators on English, has collected and explained 2467 examples of verbal perfume. Fascinating, lively and endless fun, 'A Man About A Dog' is a must for anyone captivated by language and our ability to abuse it. Examples include: / 'Discussing Ugandan affairs' / 'Ambulance chaser' / 'Hygienically challenged' Nigel Rees is one of the best-known language writers and presenters in the UK. His 'Quote...Unquote' radio programme has been running for nearly thirty years.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #179255 in Books
• Published on: 2008-06-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

About the Author
Nigel Rees is a leading authority on the use of well-known phrases and sayings. As a broadcaster, he is best-known as the deviser and presenter of BBC Radio's Quote!Unquote. As an author, he has written many books devoted to quotations and aspects of the popular use of the English language, always emphasizing the humour in his subject.

Customer Reviews

Clearing the Air


Although in the original Greek a euphemism was the breaking of an idea gently or inoffensively, it is now the business of not calling a spade a spade. It is a mealy-mouthed method of avoiding using the correct words to describe an activity. Many of these appear to concern bodily parts, bodily functions or sexuality which many humans regard as too embarrassing, or too distressing, to speak about. This book provides 2467 examples of what it calls "verbal perfume".

It's my "time of the month" serves as a euphemism for a woman's menstrual period although, when referred to by a third party, may well be expressed as "not at her best". Although females have breasts, these are frequently described as "melons", "jugs" or "natural attributes", while older men suffering from a decline in testosterone apparently now have "moobs" (man boobs).

Words for sexual intercourse and visiting the lavatory attract many variations. Jasper Carrott listed some of the former in his television comedy show, while the latter was brilliantly set out in a sketch by the late Ronnie Barker. "Adult" and "frank" are used to describe explicit sexual activity and language while "going to bed" with someone is a more polite reference to having sexual intercourse than some other terms used in the book. Thankfully, such terms still haven't completely replaced the traditional "As the Bishop said to the actress" references to illicit sex.

On a personal level I find TV introductions warning that "this programme contains strong language" to be a cop out and would prefer "there's a lot of swearing, cursing and other bad language in the next programme because the writer lacks the skill to write better plays". However, some prefer the "strong language" and, of course, there will always be disagreement on the offensiveness, or otherwise, of such language. A book such as this is an invaluable reference point.

Since the introduction of politically correct speech ("What shall we do with a grumpy pirate?" replacing the traditional "drunken sailor") euphemistic language has taken on a distinct flavour. Rees regards femholes and herstory (instead of manholes and history) as ludicrous examples of political correctness. People are not bald any more they are follicly challenged. As a bald statement that seems to be indefensible.

Language, of course, continually changes. An official report today would not use the term "backward children" as it did in the 1930's. In recent years the term "half caste" has given way to "mixed race". In both cases, this appears to have had an uplifting effect on those described. The old rhyme that "sticks and stones may break my bones but calling never hurt me" was always a myth and any changes which increase respect by any human being for another must be welcomed.

The only problem with a volume such as this is that it becomes outdated in a relatively short space of time. While it is handy as a reference book its use is limited as a consequence. Meanwhile each of us will continue to use - and create - our own euphemisms to describe normal activities we do not wish to describe in detail to all and sundry. I'm just off to do something no one else can do for me. Know what I mean?