Holy Sh*t: A Brief History of Swearing is a book by Melissa Mohr, published in 2013. The book explores the history of profanity and swearing, examining how and why certain words came to be considered taboo and exploring the cultural and social significance of these words.
Who is this book for? It's for anyone interested in the history of language and the role that taboo words and swearing play in our society. It's particularly relevant for linguists, historians, and anyone who enjoys exploring the origins and meanings of words.
The book is divided into ten chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of swearing and profanity. Mohr begins by examining the earliest recorded uses of taboo words and explores how these words were viewed in different cultures and societies throughout history.
She then goes on to examine the ways in which profanity has been used as a form of social and political protest, from the revolutionary slogans of the French Revolution to the punk rock movement of the 1970s.
Mohr also explores the ways in which swearing and profanity have been used in literature, film, and other forms of popular culture, from the works of Shakespeare to the movies of Quentin Tarantino.
The book also delves into the neuroscience behind swearing and examines the ways in which swearing can actually be beneficial, helping us to relieve stress and express emotions more effectively.
So why is this book important? Mohr argues that understanding the history and cultural significance of profanity and swearing can help us to better understand the power of language and its impact on our lives and society.
The book is written in an engaging and accessible style, making it easy for readers to follow along and learn about the fascinating history of swearing and profanity.
Mohr also provides a number of interesting anecdotes and examples throughout the book, from the origins of the word "f***" to the history of the middle finger gesture.
One of the key takeaways from the book is that profanity and swearing have always been a part of human language and communication, and that they serve an important role in expressing emotions and challenging social norms.
Mohr also encourages readers to think critically about the use of taboo words and to consider the impact that swearing can have on our relationships and interactions with others.
Overall, "Holy Sh*t: A Brief History of Swearing" is a fun and informative book that offers a unique perspective on the history and cultural significance of taboo words and profanity. Whether you're a language enthusiast or simply curious about the power of words, this book is sure to be a fascinating read.
So if you're interested in exploring the history and cultural significance of swearing and profanity, or if you're simply looking for a fun and informative read, then the book is definitely worth checking out.
Details of e-book Holy Sh*t: A Brief History of Swearing
- Author(s): Melissa Mohr
- Title: Holy Sh*t: A Brief History of Swearing
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5 base on 340 reviews
- Publisher: Oxford University Press; Reprint edition (May 1, 2016)
- ISBN-10: 019049168X
- ISBN-13: 9780190491680
- Language: English
- Print length: 352 pages
- Categories: Reference
Lucy Garraway
All tips and instructions in the book are clearly explained and backed up with intelligent logic of why things should be done a certain way. Before reading this book, I had no idea how wrong my profile was, and now equipped with more knowledge and the benefit of insight, I can now understand why my profile would never work for attracting potential clients.
Elaine Leonard
This book is what I have been looking for for the past 2 years! Seriously, I just stumbled across this book and when I started reading it…my enthusiasm skyrocketed!
Josephine Alvarez
It's easy to read, really rewarding and best of all it provides plenty of examples to figure it out.
