We all use euphemisms every day. We speak of "full-figured" women. We "fudge" on our income tax. We step lively to avoid "horse apples"—and step even livelier in the grip of the "Aztec Two-step." We say that the dead have "bit the dust" or have been "promoted to glory." Now, in A Dictionary of Euphemisms, R. W. Holder gives us an engaging volume that celebrates this human tendency to use mild, vague or roundabout expressions rather than those which are blunt, precise, and disagreeably true.

Here are thousands of entertaining and informative entries that range from long-established circumlocutions such as "everlasting life," "the Grim Reaper," "powder room," and "house of ill repute," to recent coinages such as "odorously challenged" (smelly), "corporate entertainment" (bribery), "AMW - actress, model, whatever" (prostitute), "downsizing" (laying off workers), and "white-knuckler" (a commercial flight on a small aircraft). Arranged in alphabetical order, the Dictionary gives definitions, examples from real authors, and historical explanations where appropriate. Holder also includes an extensive bibliography and, equally important, a Thematic Index, so that readers can look up euphemistic words and expressions for Death, Mental Illness, Narcotics, Obesity, Poverty, and other topics.

A Dictionary of Euphemisms is a browser's delight and an essential reference book for all lovers of language. Readers will find in it a captivating guide to the art of not saying what we mean.

Pub. Date: November 2008 Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA Format: Paperback, 432pp
Item: 019923517

Finding the right words has never been easier...with the ultimate source for today's students, writers, readers, and communicators.

From the editors of America’s favorite dictionary comes the definitive reference for meeting today’s challenging communication demands. Remarkably easy to use and completely up-to-date, The American Heritage Thesaurus is an essential resource for finding the perfect word, enhancing your mastery of the English language, and expressing yourself with precision and efficiency. No other thesaurus on the market today offers a more superlative selection of synonyms, concise definitions, easy-to-follow cross-references, and depth of meaning for the modern-day user.

• More than 20,000 main entries and 150,000 synonyms
• A-to-Z dictionary format that eliminates lengthy index and appendix
• Comprehensive list of synonyms grouped by clear definitions—avoids the confusing hodgepodge of obscure and distantly related terms
• Cross-references among closely related entries to insure precision
• Thousands of completely updated slang and informal terms
• Pertinent quotations and examples that convey nuances in meaning among the most basic and important synonyms

An indispensable addition to the American Heritage family of language guides, destined to become a classic, The American Heritage Thesaurus is a book no home, school, or office should be without.

Pub. Date: June 2005 Publisher: Random House Publishing Group Format: Mass Market Paperback, 720pp
Item: 044024254

This revised edition of the popular Barron's Dictionary & Thesaurus packs more than 40,000 words with their definitions and synonyms into a handy pocket-sized book. The new edition is small enough so that students can conveniently fit it into a backpack, carry to classes, and use as a reliable reference when writing essays and term papers. It's a two-in-one word guide, with the top portion of each page serving as a standard pocket dictionary and the bottom part of the page set up in a thesaurus format. Headwords in both sections are printed in color. Each dictionary headword is followed by its part of speech and definition. Every thesaurus headword—in addition to its list of synonyms—comes with an example sentence that uses the word in its standard context. The thesaurus section offers a total of approximately 100,000 synonyms for the book's headwords. Corresponding dictionary and thesaurus entries are always cited on the same page for fast, easy reference.

Publisher: Barron's Educational Series, Incorporated Pub. Date: August 2009 ISBN-13: 9780764143052 779pp Series: Barron's Reference Guides Series Edition Description: Student
Item: 076414305

At CliffsNotes, we're dedicated to helping you do your best, no matter how challenging the subject. Our authors are veteran teachers and talented writers who know how to cut to the chase - and zero in on the essential information you need to succeed.
Item: 076456393

Synopsis

An all-purpose thesaurus at an attractive price. More than 157,000 synonyms, antonyms, related and contrasted words, and idioms. Alphabetically organized for ease of use. Brief definitions describe shared meanings.

Annotation

Find the right word to say exactly what you mean. This essential reference contains more than 100,000 synonyms, antonyms, related and contrasted words, and idiomatic phrases. Entries are arranged in a single, sensible alphabetical list--so you can find the word you want without struggling through complicated indexes.

Publisher: Merriam Webster Mass Market Pub. Date: January 2005 ISBN-13: 9780877798507 772pp Edition Description: REV
Item: 087779850