Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

The Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard Spears catalogs over 19,000 informal terms and phrases used in American English. This authoritative reference work provides definitions, usage notes, and examples for slang terms from various time periods and social contexts. Each entry includes information about the term's origin, level of taboo or offense, and geographic distribution across the United States. The dictionary covers both historical and contemporary slang, from early 20th century expressions to modern internet and youth culture terminology. The work serves as a vital resource for linguists, writers, and anyone seeking to understand the evolution and diversity of informal American English. Special attention is given to regional variations, subculture-specific terms, and the changing nature of slang over time. This dictionary stands as a record of how everyday Americans actually speak and communicate, reflecting broader cultural shifts and social transformations through the lens of informal language. Its academic rigor and comprehensive scope make it a key text for studying the relationship between language and society.

Readers value this dictionary as a reference for understanding American informal speech, though many note it's not comprehensive for current slang. Likes: - Clear definitions and example sentences - Historical context for older slang terms - Useful for ESL learners and translators - Well-organized layout - Includes vulgar/offensive terms others omit Dislikes: - Many modern/internet terms missing - Some definitions outdated - Regional variations not always noted - Price high for paperback format - Some readers found offensive terms overrepresented "Perfect for understanding American movies and TV shows" appears in multiple ESL student reviews. Several readers mentioned it helped with understanding mid-20th century literature. Ratings: Amazon: 4.5/5 (127 reviews) Goodreads: 4.1/5 (89 reviews) The 5th edition (2017) received higher ratings than earlier versions, with readers noting improved coverage of 1990s-2000s slang. Critical reviews focused mainly on the need for more frequent updates to keep pace with evolving language.

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🔸 The book contains over 19,000 entries, making it one of the most comprehensive collections of American slang ever published 🔸 Richard A. Spears has authored more than 150 dictionaries and reference books, including NTC's Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs and McGraw-Hill's Essential American Slang 🔸 Many entries include the approximate decade when the slang term first came into popular use, helping readers understand the historical context of expressions 🔸 The dictionary regularly updates to include modern internet slang and digital communication terms, reflecting how language evolves with technology 🔸 The book categorizes expressions by both literal meanings and figurative uses, helping readers understand nuanced differences in how terms are actually used in everyday speech