Argot and slang : $b a new French and English dictionary of the cant words, quaint expressions, slang terms and flash phrases used in the high and low life of old and new Paris
Written by Albert Barrère
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About this book
Reading guide
Themes, characters and key ideas in Argot and slang : $b a new French and English dictionary of the cant words, quaint expressions, slang terms and flash phrases used in the high and low life of old and new Paris, written by Chaptra AI.
- about 20 hours
- advanced
- informative
- scholarly
- historical
Albert Barrère's "Argot and Slang" is a pivotal late 19th-century French and English dictionary meticulously documenting the vernacular, cant, and slang of Parisian society, spanning both its criminal underworld and fashionable elite. Far from a mere lexicon, it serves as a linguistic time capsule, capturing the dynamic and often ephemeral expressions that permeated various social strata. Barrère's work is celebrated for its comprehensive scope and the author's personal dedication, aiming to preserve the ingenuity and cultural significance of these informal linguistic elements. It provides invaluable insight into the socio-linguistic landscape of fin-de-siècle France, emphasizing how language reflects and shapes societal norms and subcultures. The dictionary's unique focus on 'flash phrases' and 'quaint expressions' makes it a rich resource for understanding historical French colloquialisms and their evolution.
“"The study of slang is a study of human ingenuity and wit, reflecting the very soul of a people."”
Key themes
- Language as a Reflection of Society
- This theme explores how the argot and slang documented by Barrère are not merely arbitrary words but direct mirrors of the social structures, cultural values, and daily lives of Parisians across different classes. The specific terms used by the criminal underworld, fashionable society, or various professions reveal their distinct concerns, hierarchies, and shared understandings. It underscores the idea that language is deeply embedded in its cultural context.
- Social Stratification and Identity through Language
- Barrère's work implicitly highlights how language serves as a powerful tool for creating and maintaining social boundaries and identities. Different groups, from the Parisian elite to the 'apaches' of the underworld, employ distinct forms of argot to communicate internally, assert their group membership, and exclude outsiders. This theme delves into the power dynamics and social cohesion fostered by shared, specialized lexicons.
- The Ephemeral Nature and Preservation of Language
- Barrère's motivation for compiling this dictionary stems from a keen awareness that slang and argot are constantly evolving and often disappear as quickly as they emerge. The book is an ambitious attempt to capture and preserve these fleeting linguistic phenomena, recognizing their cultural and historical value before they are lost to time. It speaks to the ongoing challenge of documenting living language.
Worth discussing
How does the study of argot and slang provide insight into the social stratification and cultural values of a historical period?
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