A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English

A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English stands as a cornerstone reference work in English lexicography, first published by Eric Partridge in 1937. The comprehensive volume documents slang terms, colloquialisms, and informal language from various periods and regions of English usage. Through seven editions under Partridge's supervision and subsequent updates by other scholars, the dictionary has grown to encompass new terminology while maintaining detailed historical records of older expressions. The work includes etymological information, usage notes, and extensive citations that track the evolution of informal English language. Following Partridge's death in 1979, the dictionary continued to evolve through new editions edited by Paul Beale, and later through complete revisions by Tom Dalzell and Terry Victor in 2005 and 2007. These modern editions reflect the rapid changes in contemporary slang while preserving the academic rigor of the original work. The dictionary represents a pivotal scholarly achievement in documenting the living, changing nature of English as it exists beyond formal contexts. Its lasting influence stems from its balanced approach between academic precision and recognition of language's natural evolution.

Readers value this as a comprehensive reference work that captures English slang from the 1500s through mid-1900s. Many note its scholarly approach and meticulous sourcing. What readers liked: - Detailed etymologies and historical context - Coverage of British, Australian and American slang - Inclusion of obsolete terms and forgotten phrases - Cross-references between related terms What readers disliked: - Dense academic style can be hard to navigate - Some entries lack clear pronunciation guides - Price point ($150+ for new copies) - Later editions removed some racier content Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (87 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (23 reviews) Reader quote: "Unlike modern slang dictionaries that just list current terms, Partridge digs deep into the origins and evolution of informal English. The historical citations are fascinating." - Amazon reviewer Several readers mentioned using it for research and writing historical fiction, though some found the abbreviations and formatting challenging to parse.

Green's Dictionary of Slang by Jonathon Green A comprehensive three-volume historical dictionary presents the development of English slang from 1500s through today with etymologies and citations.

The Oxford Dictionary of Modern Slang by John Ayto, John Simpson This reference work traces the origins of informal English expressions from the twentieth century with usage examples from literature and media.

American Slang by Robert L. Chapman and Barbara Ann Kipfer The dictionary documents colloquial American English with historical context and evolution of meanings across different time periods and regions.

NTC's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears This reference captures informal American speech patterns with detailed usage labels and contextual information for each entry.

Historical Dictionary of American Slang by Jonathan E. Lighter This scholarly work provides documented evidence for the development of American slang terms through extensive citations from historical sources.

🔹 The first edition contained around 100,000 entries, but by the 8th edition (1984), it had grown to include nearly 400,000 slang terms and informal expressions. 🔹 Eric Partridge served in the Australian Infantry during WWI, where his exposure to soldier slang sparked his lifelong fascination with informal language. 🔹 Many terms documented in the dictionary's early editions were considered too vulgar for other contemporary dictionaries, making it a controversial but valuable historical record of authentic language use. 🔹 The work was so influential that it helped legitimize the academic study of slang, which had previously been dismissed as unworthy of serious scholarly attention. 🔹 Partridge spent over 50 years continuously updating and revising the dictionary, often working 70-hour weeks to document new slang terms and trace their origins.