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Historically Black Phrases: From "I Ain't One of Your Lil' Friends" to "Who All Gon' Be There?"

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A fun and thoughtful dictionary of Black language you didn’t know you needed, Historically Black Phrases is a love letter to the Black community and the ways it drives culture.

“This perfect blend of explanation, definition and social commentary will have you laughing while learning.”—George M. Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of All Boys Aren't Blue and We Are Not Broken

Black vernacular doesn’t often get its due—despite its enormous influence on mainstream culture—but Historically Black Phrases is here to give Black language its flowers. A celebration of more than two hundred staples of Black conversation—from church sayings and units of measure to compliments and reprimands—this sharp and witty guide explores the unique importance of Black expression and communication. Historically Black Phrases offers definitions and notable pop culture moments, as well as tips on pronunciation and usage of phrases like “feelin’ yourself,” “don’t get it twisted,” and “pop off.” In addition to the phrases, short essays offer insight on different facets of Black language from scholars, entertainers, and pop culture commentators (i.e., everybody and they mama). 

Authors, journalists, and hosts of the award-winning podcast FANTI , jarrett hill and Tre’vell Anderson examine each phrase with humor and cultural precision, making Historically Black Phrases a vital ode to how Black language influences the world.

304 pages, Hardcover

Published September 19, 2023

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Jarrett Hill

2 books17 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Erin .
1,632 reviews1,527 followers
November 24, 2023
Historically Black Phrases is a cute little book that reminded me of my mom and grandma. I knew every phrase in this book and a couple of them made me, my dad and my sister laugh.

I read a review that made me laugh because this white woman said that some of these phrases were things she says everyday, so she didn't really understand the purpose....The purpose white people is to point out just how much of common language originally came from Black folks. When Black people use AAVE we are called ghetto, uneducated and unprofessional but let a white girl say it on Tik Tok and she's super cool. White people steal Black and more importantly Queer Black phrases and then never give the proper credit. This happens all the time, I remember when Vogue magazine decided to "introduce" a new hair trend called Boxer Braids....They just Cornrows. Cornrows have existed since before Black people ever arrived in the Americas. Its a protective hairstyle....Box Braids also exist but that's a completely different hair style.

Overall if you wanna have a laugh and remember some Old Skool things that your Granny or Uncle used to say along with some current phrases. I think this should be considered Vol 1 because my dad came up with about 20 more phrases that weren't included....The physical book is also very beautiful so pick up the physical if you can.
Profile Image for Raymond.
453 reviews328 followers
August 26, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's entertaining and you will definitely get several laughs as you read it. I loved the pop culture references as well!!!
Profile Image for Sunny.
332 reviews44 followers
December 13, 2023
Fun little book that celebrates how black people communicate in creative and succinct ways specifically using language. I giggled and nodded when I read familiar phrases. This book reminded me of how much language can bring cultures closer together and enrich communities.
I would have liked to see more entries that predated millennials. I wanted to learn more phrases from my parents and grandparents times. I would have liked to see how phrases evolve by inclusion of more synonym phrases such as “fronting, signifying, stunting, putting on, capping” OR “make like, play like”.
Overall, this books serves as good primer on popular “black phrases” especially for non black people (in the US). It’s a celebration of our beautiful way of communicating to the rest of us.
Profile Image for ツツ.
497 reviews9 followers
July 29, 2024
I wish all books were this concise and well-sectioned. I live for all the pop-culture references. This book has maybe the most tasteful balance of eloquence and playfulness, seriousness and casualness, I have ever seen. I suppose only someone with years of experience in code-switching can walk this fine line so artfully (as this book puts it, ‘code calibrating’). It was so much fun to see examples of how Black (and Queer) lingo has shaped the everyday parlance. However, it’s very sad to found the Black community was the first to say some of the most hurtful things abusive parents use. The examples were lively. The book itself is also beautifully presented. Did it just sold me on checking out the Real Housewives of Atalanta?
From the ways we speak to what we're called, and even what we demand or allow ourselves to be called, language is and has always been a form of resistance.

I wish I had known this sooner. 😢
Profile Image for Chandra.
209 reviews
December 21, 2023
I give this 5 stars for the pure joy and laughter it brought me. The authors did their research and set the book up nicely. Sections such as "Church", "Units of Measure" and "Cautions & Warnings" to name a few. Growing up in the 80's and 90's by an older generation (born in the 40's/50's) I've heard and said so many of these sayings. Repeating them to my students and and them being SHOCKED I know them. Each culture and heritage has it's own language and definitions that make it thrive, laugh, hold accountable, protect and uplift ea h other. I may have to buy this one...
Profile Image for Christine.
403 reviews22 followers
December 5, 2023
I’ve always enjoyed reading books on language and how it spreads and evolves over time. I also think it’s important to understand what words mean and how that meaning changes by the person speaking.

In Historically Black Phrases, the reader is given the opportunity to learn the meaning behind phrases, some with origin stories or “pop culture moments” that brought the phrases into common usage.

I think it’s important to examine how the media uses yet denigrates AAVE. This book shows the complexity and beauty in the language and hopefully helps the reader consider the fluidity and power of language.

I received a free ebook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
Profile Image for andrea.
1,040 reviews168 followers
April 29, 2024
this was a great dbook that yes, was funny, particularly in the examples the book gives for how to use each of the phrases in a sentence, but also important in the sense that it acknowledges the problematic origins of some phrases, shows when and how the phrases were first used in pop culture, and had a whole chapter about phrases from the black lgbtqia+ community. it really draws into light just how much white people appropriate from black culture while also disparaging aave and upholding/perpetuating racism. i learned something from this book.
Profile Image for Sam Wescott.
1,327 reviews46 followers
March 16, 2024
This was absolutely delightful, which is exactly what I expected from the hosts of FANTI, a podcast that I deeply enjoyed and appreciated. I’m not black, so my opinions on the content aren’t informed enough to matter, but the presentation was charming and really, really interesting. I usually assume that when people younger than me get ahold of some “new” slang, it was probably stolen from AAVE, but there were some phrases in here that I had still completely missed the AAVE origins of! I’m not looking to add any of these to my vocabulary personally, especially when black people are stigmatized for using them in schools and workplaces, but I am glad that I’m that much less likely to embarrass myself out of ignorance. And it’s nice to have a chance to sit down and pointedly appreciate the creativity, nuance, and social utility of these historically black phrases. Thanks to Tre’vell and jarrett for compiling them so beautifully!
Profile Image for Em.
206 reviews
June 7, 2023
Historically Black Phrases by jarrett hill and Tre'vell Anderson is more than a book, it's a collectible item that every Black person should own. Not only is this reference guide curated with so much love, it's contents span the spectrum of the interpersonal ways of relating among Black folks where gossip, storytelling, cautions, repercussions, and inspirational words are concerned.

This book reads like a dictionary divided into the sections referenced above. Each word is broken down by pronunciation, cultural translation, usage, and an example sentence where someone might use the term. I really enjoyed reading this book and had many moments where I could remember where I was and with who when I first heard an expression being used.

Thank you so much to the authors for writing this book and to the publisher for the opportunity to read the e-arc copy!
Profile Image for Beyond the Pages with Eva K.
3,065 reviews167 followers
May 24, 2023
Quick Summary: "Art made verbal"

My Review: Historically Black Phrases: From "I Ain't One of Your Lil' Friends" to "Who All Gon' Be There?" by Jarrett Hill and Tre'vell Anderson was all that! As soon as I read the words, "To Boo Boo the Fool," I knew I was in for a treat.

This masterpiece is sure to be a classic for those who like a little bit of humor with their linguistics lessons. I could not get enough of this book. As I read through each section, I found myself engaging in a quiz of sorts to see just how much I knew about the Black vernacular.

I found this book to be humorous, educational, special, and sho-nuff good.

My Final Say: This is a book that needs to go under every coffee table. For that matter, it needs to be brought out and celebrated at every cookout, family reunion, church gathering, and get together. Readers will quickly find themselves transported to a place of understanding and good times.

Other: I look forward to the next installment. Keep 'em comin'!

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: All
Keeper: Yes
Re-read: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Hard copy: Most definitely

Sincere appreciation is extended to the authors, to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, and to NetGalley, who provided access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Phyllis | Mocha Drop.
416 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2023
An introspective examination at common Black Phrases with context, humor (after all, it is dedicated to Boo Boo the Fool), and a lot of love toward the people and culture that birthed them. This is an easy read that offers background and celebration of our differences and the bond that language offers. It can be taken lightly or seriously as it has merit (at its heart).

A wonderful acknowledgement of Black people’s contribution to the lexicon and in a sense an acknowledgement of a different kind of “love” language.

A quick and delightful offering.

Thanks to Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to review.
Profile Image for Beverlee.
260 reviews41 followers
January 1, 2024
A joy to read…it’s been awhile since I laughed continuously as I read a book (something I should work on in 2024). Historically Black Phrases embodies the phrase “for the culture” as it is a celebration on page of what makes us “us”, something original and natural to us, our speech. AAVE is nothing to be ashamed of understanding or speaking, it most definitely does not indicate a lower level of intelligence. One point of interest to me was the section on reclamation and redefinition of 2 specific words (queer and n*gga) that have historically negative connotations (belief of belonging to one or both groups makes one less than). It’s disappointing that people ever thought this way to begin with, even more so that it’s still a dominant thought in 2024. In redefining the n-word, it’s explained as taking that power away from those who use it as a racial slur and making it something like a term of endearment but it maintains use as an insult/slur-context is so important. I still don’t like the word and probably never will. I understand times are changing and the best way to preserve history is to tell the story, never let it die. Historically Black Phrases is one entry that makes certain our language, our culture may change over time but it will never die.
Profile Image for Shannon .
2,388 reviews160 followers
December 13, 2024
Historically Black Phrases

I Picked Up This Book Because: I was seduced by the title.

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Audible via Amazon Music
Dates Read: 12/11/24 - 12/12/24
Rating: 3 Stars
Narrator(s): Jarrett Hill and Tre’vell Anderson

The Story:

I don’t think this book was meant to be consumed in audio all at one time. It’s like listening to someone reading the dictionary with unrelated examples. Also, I used this as a test on Amazon Music’s Audible crossover and the player is atrocious. The structure of the book adds to the madness of being unable to see where you are in the book overall. There were some moments of true reflection and research sharing towards the end which are what I thought we would be getting but not many.
Profile Image for Jazmine.
37 reviews43 followers
April 24, 2024
Won in a giveaway, this was a fun little read but more of a coffee table book than anything imo 🫶🏽
Profile Image for Lola.
77 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2024
A hilarious deviation from my usual diet of thrillers. The perfect love letter to Black vernacular. I love that I read this during Black History Month. ❤️💛💚🖤✊🏿
Profile Image for Dusty Shell.
326 reviews23 followers
July 17, 2024
Quick, amusing, informative, reminiscing read.
Profile Image for S LaSha Dates.
115 reviews29 followers
April 9, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. I especially liked the examples and pop culture moments. I knew some of the phrases already. I learned a lot because there were many phrases with which I was unfamiliar. It's a lighthearted, funny book. I definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for SplatterGunk.
299 reviews5 followers
January 8, 2024
I’m a social sciences major. How is that relevant? Well, I got my degree in the field I did because I love topics like this, that is to say anything surrounding language and traditions and culture and things within that sphere. As a white, queer person, I highly enjoyed this book and it was definitely worth the read. I’d recommend this to anyone who has even a passing interest in language, linguistic anthropology, or wants to learn more about English from an American perspective.

This book is informative and all around a good time. I went into this book thinking it was going to be a light read that I would enjoy because I’m a nerd. While that was true, I learned quite a bit more than I expected to.

There are brief vignettes between some of the chapters that go into a bit more detail about the origins of certain categories of phrase groups - such as queer and trans terms or church terms.

I absolutely loved that an explanation on code switching was included in the book, even though it was more toward the end. Code switching wasn’t something I learned about (in a formal capacity and by actual name) until college.

This is definitely worth the read. If you’re a millennial, Gen Z, or older Gen Alpha, you may be surprised at how much of our modern 2023-2024 slang and pop culture phrases are actually from the black community or the black queer community specifically.
Profile Image for Fuecoco.
186 reviews9 followers
July 7, 2023

A review of HISTORICALLY BLACK PHRASES by JARRETT HILL and TRE’VELL ANDERSON

published by CLARKSON POTTER / TEN SPEED PRESS (September 19, 2023)

A NetGalley ARC review: The publisher provided me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Final Rating: SS-tier / FIVE stars / Must-read

305 full-color pages

Suggested audience: YA+

Genre: non-fiction; black culture

= FEELIN' (YOUR) SELF

= PRONUNCIATION
= Phonetic.

= TRANSLATION
= "To be very confident."

= USAGE
= This is when you feel very confident, and it shows. Whether it's from slaying at work or knowing that the outfit is really hittin' for you today, it describes the way the spoken-of is moving in an often uncharacteristically, yet wonderful to see way. Akin to "smellin' yourself."

= EXAMPLE
= In the middle of her set in the dance competition, Ms. Spell started flirting with the judges. A wink here, blowing a kiss there. "Oh, she is feelin' herself" the other queens said as they watched from the sidelines.

= POP CULTURE MOMENT
= Nicki Minaj's double-platinum hit, "Feeling Myself," which features Queen Beyoncé, fully embodied this phrase, creating an enduring anthem of self-confidence for the Barb and the Beyhive.

Overview: A delightful dictionary packed full of humor while showcasing the history of phrases used widely today that have little-known black roots. The book is divided into 9 main chapters with focus on different domains of life, including chapters on “Cautions and Warning,” “Church,” and “Queer and Trans.” Interspersed are interviews with black celebrities and short essays on different perspectives in the black community.

Reflection: “Historically Black Phrases” is a landmark non-fiction work celebrating black culture and is an absolute must-read for everyone. I read this over approximately one week—chapter-by-chapter, enjoying it bite-by-flavorful-bite. I looked forward to reading a chapter at the end of a long workday. This book is beautiful in it’s presentation with bold headings and full color pages. It is ultra gift-able and I’m already thinking of several people to gift a copy when it publishes (including a gift for my personal bookshelf).


Constructive feedback: In my reviews I have a goal of identifying one area to provide constructive feedback, because everyone should be suspicious of glowing, all-positive reviews. For “Historically Black Phrases” I honestly struggle to come up with anything. It is not a perfect work, but it achieved what it set out to do near perfectly and I enjoyed every moment of reading the book. My sole constructive feedback is that I hope to see more from both authors in the future. Keep publishing monumental cultural works.

Profile Image for Maven_Reads.
1,552 reviews48 followers
January 15, 2026
Historically Black Phrases: From “I Ain’t One of Your Lil’ Friends” to “Who All Gon Be There?” by Jarrett Hill and Tre’vell Anderson – Review

Historically Black Phrases by Jarrett Hill and Tre’vell Anderson is an exuberant and thoughtful celebration of African American Vernacular English, exploring over two hundred lively expressions that have shaped Black communication and influenced mainstream culture. Rather than treating Black language as marginal or nonstandard, the book offers definitions, pronunciation guides, cultural context, and memorable pop‑culture moments for phrases ranging from “feelin’ yourself” to “don’t get it twisted,” while also including short essays that reflect on how language connects to identity, community, church traditions, affirmation styles and more.

This vibrant dictionary‑meets‑cultural commentary was published in 2023 and has been honored with an NAACP Image Award, making it both educational and joyful in its presentation of speech that has historically been misunderstood or undervalued.

From my perspective, this book feels like a warm conversation with your most witty cousins, where every phrase recalls a laugh, a memory, or a moment you’ve witnessed on the block, at family gatherings, or online. Hill and Anderson’s humor and precision made me appreciate how rich and expressive Black language really is, and the way they weave in history and cultural insight elevated what could have been a simple glossary into something deeper, reflective, and affirming. Whether I chuckled at a familiar saying or learned the backstory of a phrase I’d only heard in passing, I came away feeling proud of a linguistic tradition that has shaped so much of how we communicate today.

Rating: 4 out of 5 because it celebrates Black language with joy, depth, and cultural reverence that feels both educational and heartfelt.
Profile Image for LiteraryMarie.
809 reviews58 followers
July 18, 2023
What attracts me to a book is its cover then the title. It is the first impression. In this case, I was even more interested because of the subtitle: From "I Ain't One of Your Lil' Friends" to "Who All Gon' Be There?" If you have never uttered one of these phrases, then just close my review now because you will not understand or fully grasp what this new book means to the culture.

I knew Historically Black Phrases would live up to its title soon as I read the dedication: "To Boo Boo the Fool." So I settled in with a cup of southern sweet tea and a slice of 7-Up pound cake while I read through this dictionary in one sitting. Its contents are divided into sections including compliments, church sayings, units of measure and more. It is a celebration of our language!

When I tell you I cackled and slapped my knees in laughter as I read almost every page. The phrases are spot-on and so widely used in the Black community. There were very few that I was not familiar with but have since added to my vocabulary. Each phrase includes the pronunciation, translation, usage and an example.

Thanks to the authors for giving Black language its flowers. I recommend Historically Black Phrases for all Bookhearts to laugh and learn.

Happy Early Pub Day, Jarrett Hill and Tre'vell Anderson! Historically Black Phrases will be available Tuesday, September 19.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie
Profile Image for Martin Maenza.
1,004 reviews25 followers
August 16, 2023
Prior to the September 19, 2023, publication, Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press provided an early galley for review.

Seeing the title and description of this one, I felt I had to check it out. Lifelong dabbler in writing myself, I am always interested in language, phrases and learning the history behind them. While some of these were very familar to me, there were ones that I was learning about for the first time.

The phrases are grouped into thematic categories like "cautions and warnings", "consequences and repercussions", "gossip and storytelling", "inspiring and affirming" and more. Then each phrase is presented, followed by pronunciation (if needed), translation, usage and an example. This makes things easy to understand. The presentation is very clean and organized; the fonts, colors and layout on the page are pleasing to the eye.

This is one I'd definitely add to my writer's reference shelf.
Profile Image for Vnunez-Ms_luv2read.
899 reviews27 followers
May 23, 2023
LMAO!!!! This book right here!!!! I laughed the whole time reading this. I did not realize how many of the sayings explained I or others in my circle say every day. The authors are on point with the sayings. They are universally known, trust me. Loved the way they gave a definition if u will ten gave it to u straight via a scenario. LOL. This book will be on my gift giving list. Read it in one sitting and laughed. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my review. Kudos to the authors.
Profile Image for LaShanda Chamberlain.
616 reviews34 followers
May 23, 2023
Yes!!! From start to finish, this book had me cracking up!! Jarrett Hill & Tre’vell Anderson are on point with this one!! I knew most of these phrases but there were some I didn’t. I also liked how they included the culture references/origins for the really popular ones.

I can’t wait to gift this one to family & friends because I know they will appreciate it as much I appreciated it!! Pick this one for sure, you want be disappointed. If I could I would give this one 100 stars!!

Thanks to NetGalley, Jarrett Hill, Tre’vell Anderson & the publisher for this ARC opportunity.
Profile Image for Witcherie.
23 reviews1 follower
Read
December 12, 2023
I'm not going to negatively rate this book but with the rampant cultural appropriation and "Gen Z"-ification of AAVE, I'm not a fan of what is essentially a Bible created for our lingo. The idea is fun, I'll admit, but it's easy access to our culture for those who seek to benefit from it. We've lost the meaning of too many phrases to palm-colored people to have something like this readily available.
Profile Image for Educator.
314 reviews4 followers
May 28, 2023
NetGalley ARC Educator 550974

This book is akin to the dummies guide books or urban dictionary. It is a dictionary full of phrases used by POC. For those who know the phrases, it gives another glimpse into what people think the phrases mean. I know some POC will say the authors are giving away community secrets, while others will refer the book to those who want more info on the vernacular.
Profile Image for Vanessa (V.C.).
Author 5 books49 followers
December 14, 2023
The idea of this book is great. Obviously intended for a Black audience, it was fun reading a book giving homage to these phrases that most of us Black people have heard before from our grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends or have used ourselves and still do. It’s also a very well-presented book, the shiny black, white, and gold aesthetic was very eye-catching and gorgeous. Reading each phrase brings back great memories and plenty of laughs and smiles. The main flaw of this book, however, is that the title does a disservice to the audience as it implies that this book will give us a very detailed and deep dive into the etymology of these phrases. Sadly, it wasn't that at all. It does give us slight blurbs on when some of these phrases were first used in pop culture, but it doesn't give us much else context or historical content besides that. If you're expecting to read on when, how, and where each Black phrase was first used, and where it's backed up by facts, receipts, and archives, like you'd expect from an etymology book, you won't find that here. This was essentially a book version of Urban Dictionary, with translations, usages, and examples of how these phrases are used in a sentence. And like, that's fine, but then they should have changed the title. For a book called HISTORICALLY Black phrases, there just wasn't much if any history, and the little that we get is only told in a sentence or two. I was drawn to this book because of its title, so I was disappointed that this book was not delivering on what it implies that it would be based on that title. Even the introduction doesn’t say that this isn’t a history book, it felt like the authors underestimated what the audience might be expecting going into it. Some warning would have been nice, or perhaps a not so misleading title. It’s a fun book for what it is, just wish it was something more than just a page-by-page list of Black phrases and told with the biggest font and shortest paragraphs as possible. I will say, the example sentences were pretty hilarious and entertaining though. I burst out laughing at how they look and appear on a page! Historically Black Phrases certainly had potential to bring more to the table than what we were given, it's just too bad that it shortchanged itself from realizing that potential fully.
Profile Image for January.
2,890 reviews124 followers
abandoned
December 13, 2023
Historically Black Phrases: From "I Ain't One of Your Lil' Friends" to "Who All Gon' Be There?" by Tre'vell Anderson and jarrett hill
4h 18m narrated by authors

Genre: Dictionary, Nonfiction, Humor

Featuring: Black English - Words & Phrases, Sociology, Language Arts, Grammar & Language Usage, Gossip & Storytelling, Cautions & Warnings, Consequences & Repercussions, Inspiring & Affirming, Church, Units of Measure, Queer & Trans, Love, Sex, & Relations, The Kitchen Sink

Rating as a movie: R for language

My rating: ✍️🏿DNF @ 9%

My thoughts: 📱6% 15:14 (somewhere in Ch. 1) Got Issues - This isn't Exactly what I was expecting. I was expecting it to be more humorous. so far it's like an Urban Dictionary and Merriam-Webster collaboration, it's going to take a minute to get used to. I think the print would be better.
📱9% 21:59 (somewhere in Ch. 1) Now Mind You' - I was going to switch to print but I canceled my order because I didn't want to Wait for the book knowing a lot of people want this audio. I continued but I still was not feeling this. I have come to accept that I just don't find this book entertaining. I was hoping I would but I don't. So I'm moving on.

Why I quit: I wasn't enjoying it. I didn't find it humorous, I wasn't interested because of their delivery and there wasn't much for me to learn so I lost interest and did nkt see the benefit of continuing, print wouldn't have changed anything. It was kind of like me watching a Key & Peele episode. I don't find them funny, I think a few of their skits are OK but overall I'm not interested because I get bored as I don't respond to their particular humor. It's kind of like having a singer that you don't enjoy. You turn it off and you don't feel bad about it, my husband loves them I don't; and that is how I felt about this book. I can see why a lot of people enjoyed it. I am happy for the recommendation I got, I jumped on it, but I just wasn't feeling their vibe.

Recommend to others: Sure. This book is good just not my cup of tea.
Author 27 books31 followers
October 17, 2024
I, a yt person, knew almost all the phrases in here… I didn’t realize that it would be almost entirely a dictionary structure, and my favorite thing was the examples which are almost flash fictions rather than dry contextual phrases. There’s also a fair bit of intersectional commentary which I appreciated.

I’m a word nerd, and I think there’s a specific kind of power in pushing back against the idea of “speaking properly,” especially when it’s been used to discredit or belittle a portion of the population. While I wish this book had contained more entries and/or more historical phrases, I was reminded of the first time I read some of Dunbar’s vernacular poems. Taking an established English poetic form and then make it so that the poem only maintains its supposedly highbrow form when read in the vernacular? It’s a challenge to the idea of exclusivity. By the same token, creating a little dictionary of AAVE phrases and defining them in dictionary terms challenges the idea that there’s something less valuable about these phrases and inflections. By framing them as official dictionary definitions, it felt like the authors were reclaiming something. Their notes at the beginning of each section confirm that as being at least part of the goal.

I mostly picked up this book because I wanted to be aware of terms and phrases that originated in the Black community and have been absorbed or claimed by American English as a whole. I’m not actually sure this is a great resource to be used in that way. For example, willy-nilly is in here, and originates from Shakespeare, so I’m guessing that some of the older terms in here are just the way some older people speak? At any rate, while didn’t necessarily get what I expected, I did love the serious but still lighthearted approach to the project that kept it funny and fun.
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