Reviews with content warning for Cursing - Nine Nasty Words: English in the Gutter: Then, Now, and Forever

Reviews tagging 'Cursing'

Nine Nasty Words: English in the Gutter: Then, Now, and Forever by John McWhorter

9 reviews

lilybear3's review against another edition

funny informative medium-paced

3.75

This is a combination of some of my favorite things: nonfiction, linguistics, and swearing. It took me a lot longer to get through than normal, which is surprising since the topic was of high interest. I thought the writing was fine and followable. There were lots of anecdotes and facts about our favorite swear words.

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mjs_18's review against another edition

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funny informative fast-paced

5.0

Funny and informative.

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natgeographic's review against another edition

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funny informative lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

profanity and linguistics. my two special interests

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peachani's review

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funny informative slow-paced

4.0

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erictb's review against another edition

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challenging funny informative lighthearted reflective tense fast-paced

4.25

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emceekitty's review against another edition

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funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

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thehutonfowlslegs's review against another edition

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funny informative lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.0

I’ve probably heard more curse words in the past couple days listening to this audiobook than in the past six months.

This book was super fun and interesting, especially as an English major and linguistics nerd. The sections felt a little uneven, and the last chapter was incredibly brief compared to the rest. However, I loved the race and gender dynamics discussed with certain words, as it brought cultural and historical significance into play in addition to intriguing etymology. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, as it’s narrated by the author, and occasionally he’s laughing alongside you. Overall, a simultaneously hilarious and informative read.

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kasey_reads's review against another edition

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funny informative lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

Anytime I listen to a book about linguistics I find myself thinking.... should I go back to school? And this book was no exception to that!
John McWhorter breaks down swear words for us! He goes through 9 "nasty" words in our society. He guides us through where the word likely came from, how it may have evolved from it's original usage, and describes why modern society would categorize them as "nasty" words.
I particularly loved how McWhorter used humor and injected his own personality and stories from his life into the book. I personally love an educational text that can do that, and I think McWhorter walks that line very well.
I am really excited to apply my newfound knowledge with my fellow nerdy, nasty-word-loving, friends.

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martachbc's review against another edition

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funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

4.5

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