The Public School Word-book

The work gathers the distinctive words, phrases and turns of expression that have long been part of England’s great public schools. Organized chronologically by each school’s foundation, it presents entries with historical quotations that trace how the language has shifted from medieval halls to modern classrooms. Rather than a simple slang list, the volume treats each term with a scholarly, historical lens, revealing the cultural context behind the utterances.

Readers ranging from former pupils to linguists will find the book a useful reference for decoding the often‑obscure jargon that still surfaces in alumni correspondence, literature, and ceremonial speech. By juxtaposing older usages with contemporary equivalents, it highlights the vitality of the English language and the way school life has shaped it. The glossary also offers intriguing glimpses into bygone customs, making it as much a cultural portrait as a lexical guide.