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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.

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About this book

"Slang and its Analogues Past and Present, Volume 3" by John S. Farmer and W. E. Henley is a historical dictionary compiled to trace and document slang and colloquial language from various social classes over a span of more than three hundred years. Written in the late 19th century, this volume offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of informal English language, with entries detailing the meanings, origins, and usage of diverse slang terms and their equivalents in other languages. The opening of this dictionary introduces a wide range of slang words beginning with "F" and provides detailed definitions, etymologies, and historical references. For instance, it features words like "flabbergast," which means to astound and has been cited in various literary sources since the 18th century. It also highlights unique terms such as "flimsies" referring to banknotes and "flash," which encompasses the speech and behavior of thieves. This compilation not only educates readers about the quirky and often humorous aspects of slang but also preserves the linguistic history of society's undercurrents.
Language
English
Publisher
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Unknown
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A clearer way to understand 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. through themes, characters, and key ideas

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What the book is doing

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.

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.

A line worth noting
"Flabbergast: To astound, to strike with sudden wonder or amazement; to confound." (Cited in various literary sources since the 18th century)
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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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