Fuck fuckity fuck fuck fuck. Shit. I am not a stranger in any way to swearing. I've heard it my whole life. I use it. I'm not afraid of it or afraid to use it. And I don't think anyone else should be either. Words may have power, foul language has the power of the taboo. But about things we shouldn't be ashamed or scared of. We've already stripped back the power of many taboo words but there will always be new evils to contend with.

I have to say this book wasn't what I was expecting or hoping for. I have a love of words and language especially etymology. That was what I wanted. A detailed history of the words others consider foul. But there was little to none of that. Instead this book was about the science of foul language. The nuances between different terms. The reason behind the words, the way we use them and how they gain, and lose, their power. And there's far more to swear words then just fuck or shit. It delves into blasphemy, curses and oaths as well.

It was a detailed, well researched, comprehensive, educational volume. But at times it was very dry and quite complex. It is not a beginners work, more a textbook for linguists. But I did enjoy it and learned a lot about a different part of language to that which I usually prefer. ( )