Book Review: Words from Hell by Jess Zafarris

Genre(s): Non-Fiction / Etymology

Book Synopsis:

The English language is where words go to be tortured and mutilated into unrecognizable shadows of their former selves. It’s where Latin, Greek, and Germanic roots are shredded apart and stitched unceremoniously back together with misunderstood snippets of languages snatched from the wreckage of conquest and colonialism. It wreaks merciless havoc upon grammar and spelling. It turns clinical terms into insults and children’s tales into filthy euphemisms.

With an emphasis on understanding where the foulest words in the English language came from—and the disgusting and hilarious histories behind them—this book demonstrates the true filth of our everyday words. But this book is more than just a list of vulgar words and salacious slang. It’s a thoughtful analysis of why we deem words as being inappropriate as well as revealing ‘good words’ that have surprisingly naughty origins.

Dirty-minded word nerds and lewd linguistics lovers will derive unadulterated pleasure in leering at the origins of swear words, sexual lingo, inappropriate idioms, violent vocabulary, and terminology for bodily functions—not to mention the unexpectedly foul origins of words you thought were perfectly innocent. If it’s inappropriate, stomach-churning, uncomfortable, or offensive, this book reaches into the dark recesses of history and exposes them for all to see.

Review:

This may come as a surprise to some of you, but I don’t always read fiction. And as a writer, I have a particular interest in etymology (word origins) and the history behind how English came about. Words from Hell explores some of the “naughtier” and more disturbing terms common to the English language and how those words came to mean what they do today. (Spoiler alert: the definitions of many words have changed over time.)

While this topic may sound a bit on the dry side, I find it really fascinating. I also found the author’s presentation was really entertaining, while she simultaneously provided the facts and history about each term. From swear words to body parts to words describing the supernatural and Hell itself, this was an informative and fun read.

If you’re a word nerd like me, I highly recommend this book. Go check it out!

Author website: jesszafarris.com