Oxford Dictionary of Modern Slang

Drawing on the unique resources of the Oxford English Dictionary and offering coverage of over 6,000 slang words and expressions from the Cockney 'abaht' to the American term 'zowie', this is the most authoritative dictionary of slang from the 20th and 21st centuries. The Oxford Dictionary of Modern Slang is a fascinating and entertaining collection, packed with illustrative quotations and providing full details of origins and dates of first printed use. The text contains expressions from around the English-speaking world such as 'dork' and 'cockamamie' (North America) and 'giggle-house' and 'Jimmy Woodser' (Australia). As well as the A-Z listing of terms, the book contains a comprehensive thematic index, enabling users to home in on particular areas of interest, such as the body, food and drink, and human behaviour. Full of surprises, this is an essential read for word lovers and anyone with an interest in language.

Preface to Second Edition; Introduction to First Edition; Pronunciation Symbols; Principal abbreviations; Dictionary; Thematic Index; The body and its functions; People and society; Animals; Sustenance and intoxication; Articles and substances; Money, commerce, and employment; Behaviour, attitudes, and emotions; Thought and communication; The arts, entertainment, and the media; Time and tide; Location and movement; Abstract qualities and states

Dr John Ayto is an experienced lexicographer and author of many language titles, including the Oxford Essential Guide to the English Language, the Longman Register of New Words, the Bloomsbury Dictionary of Word Origins, Twentieth Century Words, and Wobbly Bits and Other Euphemisms. He is also editor of the latest edition of Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Dr John Simpson is Chief Editor of the Oxford English Dictionary, author of a number of books, and a leading expert on English slang.