A Dictionary of Slang, Cant, and Vulgar Words

A Dictionary of Slang, Cant, and Vulgar Words

Uncovering Victorian underworld languageBy John Camden Hotten
Michael Caine
Listen with Sir Michael Caine™ and 1,000+ voices
Length10h 27m

About this audiobook

John Camden Hotten's "A Dictionary of Slang, Cant, and Vulgar Words" serves as an authoritative exploration of the colorful linguistic tapestry that characterizes British vernacular. Published in 1859, this pioneering lexicon catalogues a vast array of informal expressions, criminal cant, and societal slang, showcasing Hotten's keen ear for the nuances of language and his dedication to capturing the evolving nature of colloquialisms. The text reflects a Victorian fascination with language as both a social marker and a means of identity, blending scholarly rigor with an accessible style that engages readers from various socio-economic backgrounds. Hotten, a prominent publisher and writer, had a vested interest in the marginalized voices within society, which likely inspired his comprehensive examination of slang. His career was marked by a commitment to uncovering the realities of urban life in the 19th century, and this dictionary embodies that goal. Furthermore, his work emerged during a period of significant linguistic change, as industrialization and urbanization reshaped social interactions and dialects. This dictionary is invaluable for linguists, historians, and lay readers alike, providing insight into the socio-cultural dynamics of its time. Hotten'Äôs work not only preserves a moment in linguistic history but also offers an entertaining glimpse into the richness of everyday speech, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of English language and culture.

Audiobook details

GenreOther
Length10 hrs 27 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateOct 25, 2023
LanguageEnglish

Table of contents

1THE HISTORY OF CANT, OR, THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF VAGABONDS.
7SOME ACCOUNT OF THE BACK SLANG, THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF COSTERMONGERS.
2ACCOUNT OF THE HIEROGLYPHICS USED BY VAGABONDS.
8GLOSSARY OF THE BACK SLANG.
3THE HISTORY OF SLANG, OR THE VULGAR LANGUAGE OF FAST LIFE.
9SOME ACCOUNT OF THE RHYMING SLANG, THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF CHAUNTERS AND PATTERERS.
4A DICTIONARY OF MODERN SLANG, CANT, & VULGAR WORDS; MANY WITH THEIR ETYMOLOGIES TRACED. (pt. 1)
10GLOSSARY OF THE RHYMING SLANG.
5A DICTIONARY OF MODERN SLANG, CANT, & VULGAR WORDS; MANY WITH THEIR ETYMOLOGIES TRACED. (pt. 2)
11THE BIBLIOGRAPHY OF SLANG, CANT, AND VULGAR LANGUAGE; OR A LIST OF THE BOOKS WHICH HAVE BEEN CONSULTED IN COMPILING THIS WORK, COMPRISING NEARLY EVERY KNOWN TREATISE UPON THE SUBJECT.
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6A DICTIONARY OF MODERN SLANG, CANT, & VULGAR WORDS; MANY WITH THEIR ETYMOLOGIES TRACED. (pt. 3)
12OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

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