3/15/22

A superb dictionary of American slang, from every point of view, presented with a rare lexicographical intelligence. Particularly to be appreciated are the abundant comments on usage and meaning, added in italics to the more conventional presentation of grammatical category and various acceptations. Of these Flexner notes: "Italicized comments are added to many definitions and entries. These usually refer to possible origins, primary group users, approximate dates of origin or peak popularity, or to the spirit with which the word is uttered" (p. xvii).

Sad to say, both Wentworth and Flexner died fairly young. Wentworth was born in 1904 and died in 1965, and Flexner was born on Mar. 22, 1928 and died of bone cancer on Dec. 3, 1990, at the age of 62. ( )

This book is so much fun to read! All sorts of unexpected expressions crop up from all sorts of subcultures from the U.S.'s entire history. ( )

Ex lib. JCC ( )