How did die become kick the bucket, underwear become unmentionables, and having an affair become hiking the Appalachian trail? Originally used to avoid blasphemy, honor taboos, and make nice, euphemisms have become embedded in the fabric of our language. Euphemania traces the origins of euphemisms from a tool of the church to a form of gentility to today's instrument of commercial, political, and postmodern doublespeak.

As much social commentary as a book for word lovers, Euphemania is a lively and thought-provoking look at the power of words and our power over them.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Published: 12/14/2010
ISBN: 9780316056564
Pages: 278
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.60w x 1.20d

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 03/14/2011