For example, it is not likely a reader would. In an extreme instance a word can be its own antonym for example, baddest can mean "best" or "worst." While attempting to determine the right formal synonym of a slang term, we often asked which formal English word was the one most likely to occur to a reader searching for a slang synonym. The same word or phrase can differ subtly in meaning in different contexts. To some readers slang can seem like a foreign language and, like a foreign language, there are times when it doesn't translate exactly. In a sense, this volume is similar to a foreign-language dictionary in that it "translates" formal English into the language of slang. For a more precise definition of the words found in this book, a slang dictionary should be used. Except in a few instances where the use of an obscure slang term is demonstrated, this thesaurus, since it is not a dictionary, does not define slang words beyond giving them a formal English synonym. If anything, The Random House Thesaurus of Slang should make slang dictionaries more useful. It is the basic premise that is different a dictionary is meant to define words, but if the user doesn't know the slang word for which a definition is sought, a slang dictionary is reduced to little more than a volume for browsing. This is not to say that slang dictionaries should be considered superfluous. Using this thesaurus, all or part of a formal English sentence can be rewritten in slang, something almost impossible to do using a slang dictionary. It is by no means a slang dictionary, nor is it meant to be. As a thesaurus, it offers a convenient translation from standard English to its slang equivalent.
That definition fits this book perfectly. It has been said that a thesaurus is a book in which you look up the wrong word in order to find the right one. That simple arrangement is what makes this book a useful tool for writers, speakers, students of language and anyone else who might need a quick and easy source of slang. Preface The Random House Thesaurus of Slang is made up of 12,000 English words listed alphabetically each is followed by one or more of the 150,000 slang words or phrases contained in this volume. English language - Synonyms and antonyms - Dictionaries. New York, N.Y.: Facts on File Publications, © 1988. Originally published: The thesaurus of slang.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Lewin, Esther. This edition published by arrangement with Facts on File, Inc. Published in the United States by Random House, Inc., New York. All inquiries should be addressed to Reference Department, Random House, Inc., 201 East 50th Street, New York, N.Y. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher. Lewin All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. To Talia and Ian and in memory of dear NatalieĬopyright © 1988 by Esther and Albert E.
Cape, Library JournalĮsther Lewin and Albert E* Lewin 150,000 uncensored contemporary slang terms, common idioms, and colloquialisms arranged for quick and easy reference It will also appeal to word buffs and other browsers." - Stephen H. a joy for the word lover." - James Kilpatrick "Slang made respectable: Some word lovers will take offense, and others will peruse the Thesaurus of Slang with glee." -The Editorial Eye "a source for finding words and phrases that often express concepts more vividly than formal language." -Booklist "The working writer.will find this book useful when writing informally. A universal human experience involves going to the John, rest room, library, facilities, amenities, comfort station, sandbox, biffy, bippy, chamber of commerce, gazoo, the Andy Qump and the old soldiers' home. It's not easy to stop after a few entries. Browsing through the Lewins' thesaurus is like eating peanuts. Entries cross-referenced to enhance usefulness.Each main entry identified with part-of-speech label.