
Slang and its analogues past and present, volume 3 (of 7) : $b A dictionary, historical and comparative, of the heterodox speech of all classes of society for more than three hundred years. With synonyms in English, French, German, Italian, etc.
Written by William Ernest Henley,John Stephen Farmer
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Reading guide
Themes, characters and key ideas in Slang and its analogues past and present, volume 3 (of 7) : $b A dictionary, historical and comparative, of the heterodox speech of all classes of society for more than three hundred years. With synonyms in English, French, German, Italian, etc., written by Chaptra AI.
- about 20 hours
- advanced
- informative
- historical
- scholarly
Volume 3 of "Slang and its Analogues Past and Present" by John S. Farmer and W. E. Henley serves as a meticulously compiled historical dictionary, dedicated to documenting and tracing the evolution of informal and heterodox speech across various social strata over three centuries. Published in the late 19th century, this specific volume focuses on slang terms beginning with the letter "F," offering detailed definitions, etymologies, and historical citations to illustrate their usage and development. Beyond mere definitions, the work provides cross-linguistic comparisons with synonyms in French, German, and Italian, highlighting the interconnectedness of language. It stands as a significant lexicographical endeavor, preserving the linguistic undercurrents and cultural nuances of its time and prior periods, and offering insights into the vibrant, ever-changing nature of language.
“"Flabbergast: To astound, to strike with sudden wonder or amazement; to confound." (Cited in various literary sources since the 18th century)”
Key themes
- Evolution and Dynamism of Language
- This theme explores how words, especially informal ones, are constantly changing, adapting, and sometimes disappearing. The dictionary meticulously tracks the etymology and historical usage of each term, illustrating the fluid nature of language over centuries.
- Preservation of Linguistic History
- A core objective of this work is to rescue and document slang terms that might otherwise be lost to history. By meticulously recording their meanings, origins, and usage, the authors ensure that these often-ephemeral linguistic elements are preserved for future study.
- Social Stratification and Identity Through Language
- The dictionary implicitly highlights how slang is often tied to specific social classes, professions, or subcultures (e.g., the criminal underworld, sailors, specific trades). It demonstrates how language can both reflect and reinforce social hierarchies and group identities.
Worth discussing
How does the study of historical slang, as presented in this dictionary, illuminate the social history and class structures of past centuries?
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