Wobbly Bits and Other Euphemisms: Over 3,000 ways to avoid speaking your mind

by John Ayto

Overview

Wobbly Bits is the essential guide to polite conversation. Covering everything from the politically incorrect to the seriously taboo, this humorous book offers over 3,000 ways to avoid speaking your mind!

Keep this book as your secret weapon (that 'distinguished,

cosmetically different person of size' your friend keeps mentioning might just not be your ideal date!), and you'll never be caught out again!

Subjects covered include crime, sins, sex, the body and its parts,

clothing and nakedness, bodily functions and secretions, illness and injury, old age and death, work, poverty, government and politics,

warfare and race.

"Utterly delightful and instructive" - The Observer

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780713678406
Publisher:	A&C Black Publishers, Ltd.
Publication date:	02/04/2008
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	5.06(w) x 7.81(h) x 0.73(d)

About the Author

John Ayto is an experienced lexicographer and author of many language titles including A&C Black's Word Origins. He is Chief Etymologist on the Bloomsbury English Dictionary.

Editorial Reviews

Utterly delightful and instructive” —The Observer

“A hilarious insight into more than 3,000 ways to avoid speaking your mind” —Daily Mail

“A little treasure giving details on how euphemisms originated and the sometimes embarrassing reality of phrases currently in use.” —Publishing News (May 2007)

“An excellent book, and not just for wordsmiths.” —Dorset Echo (September 2007)

From the Publisher