Quentin Crisp once quipped that “euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne.” This leading commentator on the English language has ranged far and wide to collect and comment upon 2,467 examples of euphemistic phrases—those expressions that so inventively display the art of mincing words. From the politically correct to the highly incorrect, this book goes in ruthless pursuit of the coy, the prudish, the squeamish, the obfuscatory, and the blatant reshaping of the truth. So whether you “have to see a man about a dog” or just need to “powder your nose,” this entertaining reference will show you how not to say what you mean.

Quentin Crisp once quipped that “euphemisms are unpleasant truths wearing diplomatic cologne.” This leading commentator on the English language has ranged far and wide to collect and comment upon 2,467 examples of euphemistic phrases—those expressions that so inventively display the art of mincing words. From the politically correct to the highly incorrect, this book goes in ruthless pursuit of the coy, the prudish, the squeamish, the obfuscatory, and the blatant reshaping of the truth. So whether you “have to see a man about a dog” or just need to “powder your nose,” this entertaining reference will show you how not to say what you mean.

Nigel Rees is regarded as one of the world authorities on English usage and is the author of over 50 rereference books. His Radio 4 show, "Quote!Unquote" is one of the longest running quiz shows in the world (since 1974) and his newsletter has a wide and influential circulation.