NTC's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

NTC's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions contains over 8,500 informal terms and phrases used in American English. The dictionary covers slang from the 20th century through modern usage, with each entry including pronunciation guides and usage examples. The entries span multiple categories including general slang, regional expressions, professional jargon, and youth culture terminology. Usage labels indicate whether terms are considered taboo, offensive, or outdated, while etymology notes trace the origins of selected expressions. This reference work serves as both a practical guide for English language learners and a record of evolving American vernacular speech. The dictionary's scope and organization reflect the dynamic nature of informal language and its role in American cultural identity.

Readers describe this dictionary as comprehensive for its time but now outdated, with many entries from the 1990s that are no longer in use. What readers liked: - Clear definitions with example sentences - Includes pronunciation guides - Organized both alphabetically and by topic - Labels offensive terms appropriately - Coverage of regional American expressions What readers disliked: - Many outdated slang terms from 1990s and earlier - Missing modern internet/social media slang - Some entries seem obvious or unnecessary - Price high for dated content One reader noted: "Good for historical reference but won't help you understand current slang." Ratings: Amazon: 4.3/5 (127 reviews) Goodreads: 3.8/5 (51 ratings) Multiple reviewers recommended the dictionary for ESL students and writers working on period pieces set before 2000, but suggested other resources for contemporary slang.

Dictionary of American Regional English by Frederic G. Cassidy This five-volume collection documents regional variations in American English from 1965-1970 through interviews and research across the United States.

Cassell's Dictionary of Slang by Jonathon Green The dictionary spans four centuries of English-language slang with 70,000 entries from Britain, North America, Australia, and other English-speaking regions.

A Dictionary of Contemporary American Usage by Bergen Evans and Cornelia Evans This reference book explains the distinctions in meaning and usage between commonly confused words and phrases in American English.

Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang by J.E. Lighter The multi-volume work traces the development of American slang terms through historical documentation and citations from primary sources.

The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer This reference book explains the meanings and origins of 10,000 idioms and expressions used in American English.

🔸 The dictionary contains over 8,500 informal expressions and includes notes about which terms are considered taboo or politically incorrect. 🔸 Author Richard A. Spears has written more than 150 dictionaries and reference books, specializing in phrasal verbs, idioms, and slang across multiple languages. 🔸 The book includes specific dating information for many entries, helping readers understand when certain slang terms came into popular use. 🔸 Many entries feature sample sentences showing how the slang is used in context, making it particularly useful for non-native English speakers. 🔸 The dictionary underwent multiple editions and updates to keep pace with rapidly evolving American slang, with significant revisions in 1989, 1995, and 2000.