The F-Word (book)
Encyclopedia
The F-Word is a book by lexicographer and linguist Jesse Sheidlower
surveying the history and usage of the English word fuck
and a wide variety of euphemism
s that replace it. Sheidlower examines 16th and 17th century poetry, 20th century literature, and 21st century media uses of the word.
The book was first published in 1995 by Random House
, which also published the second edition in 1999. Oxford University Press
published a revised and expanded third edition in 2009, featuring a foreword by comedian Lewis Black
.
Jesse Sheidlower
Jesse Sheidlower is an author and editor specializing in English linguistics and lexicography. From 1999 until 2005 he was Principal North American Editor at the Oxford English Dictionary; since 2005 he has been an editor-at-large, focusing on North American usage. He is a frequently cited expert...
surveying the history and usage of the English word fuck
Fuck
"Fuck" is an English word that is generally considered obscene which, in its most literal meaning, refers to the act of sexual intercourse. By extension it may be used to negatively characterize anything that can be dismissed, disdained, defiled, or destroyed."Fuck" can be used as a verb, adverb,...
and a wide variety of euphemism
Euphemism
A euphemism is the substitution of a mild, inoffensive, relatively uncontroversial phrase for another more frank expression that might offend or otherwise suggest something unpleasant to the audience...
s that replace it. Sheidlower examines 16th and 17th century poetry, 20th century literature, and 21st century media uses of the word.
The book was first published in 1995 by Random House
Random House
Random House, Inc. is the largest general-interest trade book publisher in the world. It has been owned since 1998 by the German private media corporation Bertelsmann and has become the umbrella brand for Bertelsmann book publishing. Random House also has a movie production arm, Random House Films,...
, which also published the second edition in 1999. Oxford University Press
Oxford University Press
Oxford University Press is the largest university press in the world. It is a department of the University of Oxford and is governed by a group of 15 academics appointed by the Vice-Chancellor known as the Delegates of the Press. They are headed by the Secretary to the Delegates, who serves as...
published a revised and expanded third edition in 2009, featuring a foreword by comedian Lewis Black
Lewis Black
Lewis Niles Black is an American stand-up comedian, author, playwright, social critic and actor. He is known for his comedy style, which often includes simulating a mental breakdown, or an increasingly angry rant, ridiculing history, politics, religion, trends and cultural phenomena...
.