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tregina's review against another edition
4.0
I expected that I would enjoy this book, but thought it would be fairly slight. So I was pleasantly surprised at the level of background and history and context it gives; not just the what of swearing and how it has changed through the ages but the full five w's--who swears and when and why and where they do it in terms of social context and geography, and a lot of elements that you wouldn't realise would be a factor until she lays out just what effect they have had on the evolution of swearing. A thoroughly satisfying book.
nearside's review against another edition
Fascinating historical context
An outstanding delve into swearing, and the historical context behind what used to be unacceptable, giving us the necessary context to understand the modern language taboos.
An outstanding delve into swearing, and the historical context behind what used to be unacceptable, giving us the necessary context to understand the modern language taboos.
balletbookworm's review
4.0
The first book I started in 2020!
I picked this up after Sarah MacLean rec'd it on an episode of the Fated Mates podcast on an early interstitial episode iirc (hi, I only started listening to that podcast in December bc I'm late to the party). It's a little dry in places - you get an unexpected dose of Church history - but Mohr is also unexpectedly droll in her asides and footnotes. I really enjoyed the examination of how swearing has changed over millenia. Definitely recommend if you're into language.
I picked this up after Sarah MacLean rec'd it on an episode of the Fated Mates podcast on an early interstitial episode iirc (hi, I only started listening to that podcast in December bc I'm late to the party). It's a little dry in places - you get an unexpected dose of Church history - but Mohr is also unexpectedly droll in her asides and footnotes. I really enjoyed the examination of how swearing has changed over millenia. Definitely recommend if you're into language.
endovelico's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting concept and adequate execution even if ultimately an over bloated read. Brilliant as a table guest or gift.
clairetrellahill's review
informative
An interesting read! I skipped the Roman chapter as I was reading for research and skimmed once we got past the Victorians but it was interesting—especially to see lots of religious periods presented from a secular POV. I don’t think I agree with all of it, but it was interesting. I also enjoyed the historical periods the book moved through.
But of course, if you’re not okay with a great deal of swear works and very frank discussions of everything that goes along with swearing in all its myriad forms (excrement, bodily functions, holiness as oath, etc) you are in for an uncomfortable time.
But of course, if you’re not okay with a great deal of swear works and very frank discussions of everything that goes along with swearing in all its myriad forms (excrement, bodily functions, holiness as oath, etc) you are in for an uncomfortable time.
shadowmaster13's review
challenging
informative
slow-paced
3.0
Very dense, but interesting. I do wish the chapters had been smaller, but I found it really interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Cursing
cdtyrrell's review
4.0
Who the f— writes a book on s— ? F—ing Melissa Mohr. No s—, she knows s—. This book is so full of f—ing s— that it’s f—ing f—ed. So WTF are you waiting for, f— the f—ing f—ers and go read it.