Slang and its analogues past and present, volume 1 [of 7] : A dictionary, historical and comparative, of the heterodox speech of all classes of society for more than three hundred years. With synonyms in English, French, German, Italian, etc.

A sprawling, scholarly guide to the ever‑shifting world of informal speech, this volume charts three centuries of English slang and its cousins in French, German, Italian and other tongues. Organized from A to the obscure “Byz,” it pairs each entry with historical citations and cross‑language equivalents, letting listeners trace how a cheeky term emerged, morphed, and sometimes vanished. The work is especially valuable for anyone curious about the hidden currents that run beneath the “Queen’s English,” offering a rare window into the language of street markets, taverns, and subcultures.

The compiler openly wrestles with the difficulty of defining slang, noting its fluid boundaries and the challenge of pinning down meanings that shift like a chameleon. By juxtaposing early quotations with modern usage, the dictionary reveals the playful elasticity of words and the social forces that shape them. Listeners will find a treasure trove of anecdotes and etymological clues that illuminate the vibrant, often mischievous side of language, making the book a useful companion for linguists, historians, and anyone who enjoys discovering the stories behind everyday expressions.