Cult Fact!
Warning: this review contains graphic language.
While not new to publishing (release in 1996), this book is a necessary swear word compendium for any English lover. Author Sterling Johnson, a professor who has been teaching English as a second language for over twenty years, brings us a complete breakdown of swearing in the English language: each chapter begins with the particular swear word, gives a rundown of the various forms it may be used in, as well as full examples of how specifically to use said swear word. Johnson also goes to great odds to prevent “lay” swear word users from misusing certain words, rendering them stupid sounding or just plain confusing.
“Great f*cking book!” says Stephen King.
And now for some examples:
“The Basic Seven”: shit, fuck, piss, cunt, asshole, motherfucker, and cock-sucker.
“How to use the F-Word”:
Sigmund: “How come you’re mad Carl?”
Randolph: “The no-good fuck fucked me out of ten dollars.”
Some chapter titles include: Fuck, Sodomy, His (swear words to do with males), Hers (swear words to do with females), Everybody’s, Farts, Blasphemy, Family Matters, Hands-on Experience.
Only 88 pages long , this book nevertheless has it all. If you’re one not to be offended by blatant swearing, this book will amuse you to no end; there’s even “The Final F*cking Exam” to test you at the end.
It is also possible to contribute any new and unusual swear words you happen to know. Simply send them to: Sterling Johnson, St. Martin’s Press, Room 1700, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010. Or email the author at: rokaco@redshift.com.
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Originally published on January 28th 2002.
Originally published in the Long Beach Union.
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