The New Partridge Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English

The New Partridge Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English serves as a comprehensive reference work documenting slang terms and informal language from across the English-speaking world. This two-volume dictionary contains over 60,000 entries covering slang usage from 1945 through the early 2000s. Each entry provides definitions, etymological information, and examples of usage drawn from literature, media, and documented speech. The dictionary includes slang from multiple English-speaking regions including Britain, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and the Caribbean. The work builds upon Eric Partridge's original 1937 Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English while expanding its scope to reflect modern usage and cultural changes. Citations and references allow readers to trace the evolution and spread of informal language across time and geography. This dictionary stands as a vital resource for understanding how informal language both reflects and shapes cultural identity, social dynamics, and linguistic innovation. The work captures the constant evolution of English vernacular speech and its role in different communities.

Readers value this dictionary as a comprehensive reference for modern slang, particularly appreciating its coverage of terms from 1945-present. Multiple reviewers note its usefulness for writers, linguists, and anyone interested in the evolution of informal language. Likes: - Detailed etymological information - Global coverage beyond just US/UK slang - Clear citations and example usage - Regular updates with new terms Dislikes: - High price point ($295+) - Heavy/unwieldy physical format - Some entries lack sufficient context - Missing some common slang terms Ratings: Goodreads: 4.25/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (15 reviews) One linguistics professor praised its "meticulous sourcing and dating of terms," while a writer called it "indispensable for understanding cultural context." Several reviewers mentioned preferring the digital version for searchability. Multiple users noted it works better as a reference than a casual read.

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🔍 The original Partridge Dictionary, first published in 1937, was compiled by Eric Partridge, who documented slang terms he heard while serving in WWI. 📚 The New Partridge Dictionary contains over 65,000 entries, including modern slang from hip-hop culture, technology, and social media. 🌍 The dictionary covers English-language slang from around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, and the Caribbean. 💻 Unlike traditional dictionaries, this version includes emoticons, texting abbreviations, and internet slang, reflecting the evolution of informal language in the digital age. 🎯 Each entry provides not just definitions but also etymological information and citations showing the earliest documented use of the term, making it valuable for linguistic researchers and historians.