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GIVEAWAY & REVIEW Euphemania by Ralph Keyes

By 38 Comments

Description

How did die become kick the bucket, underwear become unmentionables, and having an affair become hiking the Appalachian trail? Originally used to avoid blasphemy, honor taboos, and make nice, euphemisms have become embedded in the fabric of our language. EUPHEMANIA traces the origins of euphemisms from a tool of the church to a form of gentility to today’s instrument of commercial, political, and postmodern doublespeak.

As much social commentary as a book for word lovers, EUPHEMANIA is a lively and thought-provoking look at the power of words and our power over them.

About the Author

Ralph Keyes is the author of 15 books, including The Courage to Write and I Love It When You Talk Retro. He has written for Esquire, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, GQ, Newsweek, and Harper’s. Keyes lives in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he writes, lectures, and is a Trustee of the Antioch Writers’ Workshop.

 Details

  • Hardcover: 288 pages
  • Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (December 14, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0316056561
  • ISBN-13: 978-0316056564

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

If you are a word freak like me, you are going to love this book.  Euphemania explains where we get common turns of phrase like “pushing up daisies” and other obscure references.  The book is very entertaining and gives insight to historical references. I really enjoyed reading this one and it would make the perfect gift for that closet wordy in your life. 

WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?

Contest is open to anyone with a US or Canadian mailing addresses (no PO Boxes)

Contest ends on 12.15.10 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 12.16.10
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by Hachette Book Group and up to 3 books will be available.
Only one winner per household address!

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Comments

  4. This book looks great! I entered your form, but I didn’t see where I could add what I learned at Ralph’s website. So I’ll add it here. I learned that Ralph has a toaster museum. And no joke the thing is huge! I liked looking at the pics because I love retro stuff. Entered as Kelly Blackwell with email ThriftyWays(at)gmail(dot)com

    This book is a must for my wish list.

    Reply

  25. According to his website, Ralph Keyes has 40+ years worth of information in his 7-room basement.

    patricia [dot] mariani [dot] esq [at] gmail [dot] com

    [Follow via GFC as Patricia]

    Reply

  29. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
    Here are extra entries not on the form:

    1. I think it’s interesting that Ralph Keyes also wrote a book called ‘Is There Life After High School?’ and it was made into a Broadway play.

    2.I Liked Euphemania on Facebook

    teddyr66 at yahoo dot com

    Reply

  30. I love linguistics and the English language, so I would love to read this wonderful sounding book… Daily entry for December 13/10. Thank you!

    Aliya D.
    aliyadaya(at)shaw(dot)ca

    Reply

  38. SHANA — shanaelyse

    CHRISTINE – TEAM JC — schaefer7382

    KANDACE — kandycain

    An email has been sent to the lucky people named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam). The winner(s) has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

    Thanks to all who entered.

    Reply

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