Profanity is dynamic, ever-changing, constantly shifting in form and meaning over time. We might find it unbelievable today, but during the Middle Ages "By God'
This is the only encyclopedia and social history of swearing and foul language in the English-speaking world. It covers the various social dynamics that generat
"Entertaining and thought-provoking…Byrne’s enthusiasm for her esoteric subject is contagious, damn it." —Melissa Dahl, New York Times Book Review In this
It may be starred, beeped, and censored -- yet profanity is so appealing that we can't stop using it. In the funniest, clearest study to date, Benjamin Bergen e