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Words from Hell: Unearthing the Darkest Secrets of English Etymology
The English language is where words go to be tortured and mutilated into unrecognizable shadows of their former selves. It's where Latin, Greek, and Germanic roots are shredded apart and stitched unceremoniously back together with misunderstood snippets of languages snatched from the wreckage of conquest and colonialism. It wreaks merciless havoc upon grammar and spelling. It turns clinical terms into insults and children's tales into filthy euphemisms.With an emphasis on understanding where the foulest words in the English language came from-and the disgusting and hilarious histories behind them-this book demonstrates the true filth of our everyday words. But this book is more than just a list of vulgar words and salacious slang. It's a thoughtful analysis of why we deem words as being inappropriate as well as revealing 'good words' that have surprisingly naughty origins.Dirty-minded word nerds and lewd linguistics lovers will derive unadulterated pleasure in leering at the origins of swear words, sexual lingo, inappropriate idioms, violent vocabulary, and terminology for bodily functions-not to mention the unexpectedly foul origins of words you thought were perfectly innocent. If it's inappropriate, stomach-churning, uncomfortable, or offensive, this book reaches into the dark recesses of history and exposes them for all to see.True to the Chambers brand, this book combines humour, scholarly research and a beautiful design. It is a book to enjoy, collect and revisit time and time again.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2023
169 people are currently reading
3463 people want to read
About the author
Jess Zafarris
6 books61 followersJess Zafarris is an author and speaker whose work primarily addresses words and language, but also social media, advertising, communications, and TTRPGs. She’s the author of Once Upon a Word (2020), Words from Hell (2023), and Useless Etymology (2025). A former content director for Writer’s Digest, Adweek, and Ragan Communications, she now joyfully discusses word origins on TikTok and Instagram, cohosts the podcast Words Unravelled, and runs the blog Useless Etymology. She is an adjunct professor at Emerson College, Editor-at-Large for Ragan and PR Daily, a contributor and social media partner for Dictionarycom, a regular speaker for Writer's Digest, and a writer at Indie Agency News. She produces and hosts events including PR Daily’s Social Media Conference. She even dabbles in horror fiction occasionally. Her work and insights have appeared in NPR, The New York Times, The Guardian, Harper’s, and BBC World Service.
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June 28, 2023ARC had weird font issues making this impossible to read. If it's fixed, I may revisit.
July 20, 2023
As someone who is fascinated by etymology, this was so fun. It’s broken down into a few main chapters that form general categories (for example: swear words, supernatural words, violence words, etc.) and then each chapter is an alphabetical list of many terms and a brief explanation of their origin. Some words have clear histories, and some have multiple theories, and the author did a good job making the difference clear.
If you’re a word nerd who loves stuffing their brain with little fun facts, you’ll definitely enjoy this! (As long as you don’t mind reading lots of crude language, because that’s literally the topic of the book)
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
If you’re a word nerd who loves stuffing their brain with little fun facts, you’ll definitely enjoy this! (As long as you don’t mind reading lots of crude language, because that’s literally the topic of the book)
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
November 13, 2023
In Words From Hell by Jess Sefarris we learned the origin story of bad words scary monsters gender qualifiers and so much more this book was so much fun from the Greeks grabbing each other’s testicles to make an oath to why warlocks aren’t necessarily men witches I found the dialogue to be funny informative and I love this book whenever I had a spare moment I found myself opening it up and was shocked when I came to the end, not to mention a little disappointed. They have so much fun stuff in this book this review doesn’t do it just as they talk of penis envy and even where the word cleavage comes from it is just packed with gray useless information something I thrive on and I’m an expert at lol! I want to thank Hashead entertainment and Net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes I am blind.
September 6, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It was a well-written, fun read. The etymologies are thorough and explain a lot, including unpaired words (words commonly used with a prefix or suffix but not alone). This cleared up a lot of mysteries for me. Zafarris has a good sense of humor that comes clearly through. I recommend this book for people who love learning about languages. Thank you to Netgalley and Chambers Books for the advance reader copy.
March 30, 2024
This was fun! If you have any interest in the history of words (including curse words, words related to sexuality, and supernatural subjects), you can learn a lot from this book. Some of the chapters were heavy, so I might recommend jumping around in the book to not read too much hard stuff in a row.
December 15, 2023
I love etymology, and Jess Zafarris is the reigning queen of words. This book is spicy (lots of x-rated words here!), which I found fun and entertaining.
February 13, 2024
I love etymology and the story of words. This is an entertaining, easy to follow, informative, and well researched book that I strongly recommend
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 27, 2024
Great stuff! Here are the things that jumped out for me:
Expletive comes from the Latin “ex” meaning “out” and “plere” meaning “to fill” and originally was just meant to fill out a line of verse. Think The Bard’s Fie! (5)
One of the many (many) euphemisms for the c-word was “Eve’s Customs House (because it’s where Adam made his first entry)” (9)
Due to many things, including spelling not being standardized, initialisms and acronyms weren’t a thing until the 19th century. So fuck couldn’t stand for Fornication Under Consent of the King. (10)
Gee as in “gee, that’s too bad,” is an example of mincing words. Gee is thought to be a shortening of Jesus. (16)
The 4 Humors Personality Type Breakdown (23-24)
Too much blood = overly happy or prone to fall in love. Sanguine
Too much phlegm = cool, calm, self-possessed or cold, dull, apathetic. Phlegmatic
Too much yellow bile = easily angered or hot tempered, choleric
Too much black bile = depressed, melancholy
Belch was an 18th century word for a bad beer. (26)
Menstruation, ultimately, comes from the Old English word monathblot, meaning month-blood. (33)
Bawdy come from the Welsh word baw, which means dirt. In the 15--s, a bawdy-basket was a peddler who sold old-timey porn. (54)
There’s no antonym for virgin. (84) Kinda like non-violence, non-virgin tells you what it isn’t not what it is.
Insult and assault both come from the Latin salire meaning to leap. (95)
Outrage comes not from the smooshing of out and rage but from the French word outre, meaning excessive, and the suffix -age, also seen in postage. (103)
Barbarian comes from the Greek barbaros, meaning foreign, strange, or ignorant. The barbar part was what they thought foreigners sounded like. So barbarian is essentially “a person who says blah blah” (122)
Bulldoze came from giving black people trying to vote in the 1876 presidential election a “dose fit for a bull”. Aka beat them with a bullwhip. It didn’t refer to a machine until 1930. (123)
The Italian word Ciao is a variation of schiavo, which comes from the Medieval Latin, sclavus, which means slave. (134)
Felon comes from the Latin fellonem, which means “evildoer” (209)
Edison coined the word “hello” specifically for the telephone, meaning no one greeted anyone with “hello” before that. Bell preferred Ahoy! (218)
Shark was a name for a terrible person before it was ever applied to a fish. (226)
One of the first words budding etymologists obsess over is decimate, which literally means destroy a 10th but is more commonly used to mean utter destruction. But the origin of the term is grisly: when Roman soldiers were being cowards or mutineers, they formed groups of ten and drew straws. The person in each group who drew the short straw was executed by the other nine. (238)
TASER is an acronym named after children’s book hero, Tom Swift. It stands for Tom A Swift’s Electric Rifle. Swift did indeed have such a weapon and it was introduced in a book that is chock full of white saviorism as Tom and his band go to Africa and kill elephants just for their ivory and attempt to civilize the savage Africans. (256-7)
Black people started being called spooks because black skin is harder to see in the dark, making them appear spooky. (295)
Expletive comes from the Latin “ex” meaning “out” and “plere” meaning “to fill” and originally was just meant to fill out a line of verse. Think The Bard’s Fie! (5)
One of the many (many) euphemisms for the c-word was “Eve’s Customs House (because it’s where Adam made his first entry)” (9)
Due to many things, including spelling not being standardized, initialisms and acronyms weren’t a thing until the 19th century. So fuck couldn’t stand for Fornication Under Consent of the King. (10)
Gee as in “gee, that’s too bad,” is an example of mincing words. Gee is thought to be a shortening of Jesus. (16)
The 4 Humors Personality Type Breakdown (23-24)
Too much blood = overly happy or prone to fall in love. Sanguine
Too much phlegm = cool, calm, self-possessed or cold, dull, apathetic. Phlegmatic
Too much yellow bile = easily angered or hot tempered, choleric
Too much black bile = depressed, melancholy
Belch was an 18th century word for a bad beer. (26)
Menstruation, ultimately, comes from the Old English word monathblot, meaning month-blood. (33)
Bawdy come from the Welsh word baw, which means dirt. In the 15--s, a bawdy-basket was a peddler who sold old-timey porn. (54)
There’s no antonym for virgin. (84) Kinda like non-violence, non-virgin tells you what it isn’t not what it is.
Insult and assault both come from the Latin salire meaning to leap. (95)
Outrage comes not from the smooshing of out and rage but from the French word outre, meaning excessive, and the suffix -age, also seen in postage. (103)
Barbarian comes from the Greek barbaros, meaning foreign, strange, or ignorant. The barbar part was what they thought foreigners sounded like. So barbarian is essentially “a person who says blah blah” (122)
Bulldoze came from giving black people trying to vote in the 1876 presidential election a “dose fit for a bull”. Aka beat them with a bullwhip. It didn’t refer to a machine until 1930. (123)
The Italian word Ciao is a variation of schiavo, which comes from the Medieval Latin, sclavus, which means slave. (134)
Felon comes from the Latin fellonem, which means “evildoer” (209)
Edison coined the word “hello” specifically for the telephone, meaning no one greeted anyone with “hello” before that. Bell preferred Ahoy! (218)
Shark was a name for a terrible person before it was ever applied to a fish. (226)
One of the first words budding etymologists obsess over is decimate, which literally means destroy a 10th but is more commonly used to mean utter destruction. But the origin of the term is grisly: when Roman soldiers were being cowards or mutineers, they formed groups of ten and drew straws. The person in each group who drew the short straw was executed by the other nine. (238)
TASER is an acronym named after children’s book hero, Tom Swift. It stands for Tom A Swift’s Electric Rifle. Swift did indeed have such a weapon and it was introduced in a book that is chock full of white saviorism as Tom and his band go to Africa and kill elephants just for their ivory and attempt to civilize the savage Africans. (256-7)
Black people started being called spooks because black skin is harder to see in the dark, making them appear spooky. (295)
August 2, 2025
Divided according to topic into ten chapters, this book is a collection of etymological histories of words describing dark, horrific, crude, or untoward things. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction to the type of word under consideration and then the bulk of the book consists of separate entries for the words themselves, with etymologies ranging from just a mere one or two sentences to a couple of pages.
Overall, I quite appreciate most of the book. Though there’s no real through-line, making it difficult to want to read straight through, most of the entries are charmingly presented and the reader is all but guaranteed to learn a thing or two about our language’s history. Along the way, we also have the opportunity to debunk a few common etymological myths that get spread about on the Internet. For instance, the four-letter word beginning with the letter “f” is not actually an acronym for doing anything of a private nature, whether or not under the consent of a king.
The book falters in a couple places, though. A few of the entries are so brief that the reader doesn’t really get a great sense of how the word developed. One could perhaps argue that this is just due to limited space in the book, and fair enough, but I would argue that some of the author’s witticisms, though generally enjoyable, could have been sacrificed when necessary to make room for a more detailed description. Or perhaps not. Perhaps it is the wit that gives the book its charm, which is also probably true. Less debatable: the author certainly could have made room for more detail on certain words histories had she avoided the temptation to inject some of her own personal political views into several of the discussions, which she should have done regardless of whether she needed to make space to expand other entries.
Indeed, those political ramblings are the book’s greatest flaw. That I agree with some of them and disagree with others is hardly the point. Rather, it’s simply inappropriate to preach one’s personal politics in what is meant to be a lighthearted look at etymology.
The reason I picked it up personally (and, indeed, the reason I quite enjoyed reading it despite some flaws) was to learn the histories of some words and phrases common in my own reading and writing. For instance, it was quite interesting to learn that “grave” when referring to the place in which one is buried versus when referring to something serious come from two distinct sources (though that’s one example on which I would have liked more detail) or that the “Jack” in “Jack-O-Lantern” originally appeared in the seventeenth century as a word for a night watchman.
I also quite like the layout of the book, separating the words by topic instead of alphabetically. While this would ordinarily be a horrible way to arrange a dictionary, it does make the individual chapters somewhat more readable, and if a reader happens to be looking for a specific word, they are alphabetically presented in the index. That index is a necessary feature because I do think most will probably consider this more of a handy reference or amusement than something to be read straight through from cover to cover.
Overall, I quite appreciate most of the book. Though there’s no real through-line, making it difficult to want to read straight through, most of the entries are charmingly presented and the reader is all but guaranteed to learn a thing or two about our language’s history. Along the way, we also have the opportunity to debunk a few common etymological myths that get spread about on the Internet. For instance, the four-letter word beginning with the letter “f” is not actually an acronym for doing anything of a private nature, whether or not under the consent of a king.
The book falters in a couple places, though. A few of the entries are so brief that the reader doesn’t really get a great sense of how the word developed. One could perhaps argue that this is just due to limited space in the book, and fair enough, but I would argue that some of the author’s witticisms, though generally enjoyable, could have been sacrificed when necessary to make room for a more detailed description. Or perhaps not. Perhaps it is the wit that gives the book its charm, which is also probably true. Less debatable: the author certainly could have made room for more detail on certain words histories had she avoided the temptation to inject some of her own personal political views into several of the discussions, which she should have done regardless of whether she needed to make space to expand other entries.
Indeed, those political ramblings are the book’s greatest flaw. That I agree with some of them and disagree with others is hardly the point. Rather, it’s simply inappropriate to preach one’s personal politics in what is meant to be a lighthearted look at etymology.
The reason I picked it up personally (and, indeed, the reason I quite enjoyed reading it despite some flaws) was to learn the histories of some words and phrases common in my own reading and writing. For instance, it was quite interesting to learn that “grave” when referring to the place in which one is buried versus when referring to something serious come from two distinct sources (though that’s one example on which I would have liked more detail) or that the “Jack” in “Jack-O-Lantern” originally appeared in the seventeenth century as a word for a night watchman.
I also quite like the layout of the book, separating the words by topic instead of alphabetically. While this would ordinarily be a horrible way to arrange a dictionary, it does make the individual chapters somewhat more readable, and if a reader happens to be looking for a specific word, they are alphabetically presented in the index. That index is a necessary feature because I do think most will probably consider this more of a handy reference or amusement than something to be read straight through from cover to cover.
September 12, 2023
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Chambers Books for an advance copy of this book dealing with the history, the use and corruption of certain words, and how some still have a stigma today that is hard to use in polite society.
One of my biggest regrets is that I am not a fluent speaker of any language. Not even of the language that was spoken in my home, that I have been taught in and use at work all the time. English. This language is still a mystery to me. I still have to remember my there, their and they're, I before E accept after C, all the things that Schoolhouse Rock instilled in me before I went to school and forgot everything. Though when I first started working in Waldenbooks the book Anguished English by Richard Lederer, was a popular title, and Dell Publishing came out with a whole series of books on words that I devoured, and somehow retained. Though I can't spell them, and probably are not using them right. So I have always loved books on words. And now I think I have a new Gosh Dang favorite in Words From Hell:Unearthing the Darkest Secrets of English Etymology by writer and word fiend Jess Zafarris. The book goes into the history of words that can be used to be both profane, and supernatural, violent, anatomically descriptive and much more.
The book begins with a introduction that discusses the author's pas in writing books about word origins for young readers, and moving up to words that children would have their mouths washed out with soap for using. From there we look at word origins, with an overview of language, and how words are brought in, adapted or corrupted and move on. The book is then broken into 10 chapters dealing with words that could be used as obscenities, words about the body, words about war, the human nature for bias and bigotry, booze and drugs, and of course spicy words about spicy things and descriptions. These chapters have brief preamble, followed by an alphabetical listing of words to fit the section. For example Assassin in Chapter Eight. The word is presented with a history of where it came from, prominent uses, how the word has been corrupted, and use today, with examples.
A very fun look at language, and language that is usually pooh-poohed by most, but as the political discussion becomes more course, it helps to understand where these words are coming from, and more importantly, how to use them. Zafarris is very funny, and a very good writer which helps keep that narrative moving. Books like this can get in its own way with just lists that seem daunting to the reader. I suggest one shouldn't just sit down and read this, more look at it a section at a time, and let the words soak in. This way one can learn how to incorporate these words into one's vernacular be it telling a boss off, or getting cut off in traffic.
A good gift for a friend that uses a lot of blue language as a way to increase their verbiage, and hopefully make them laugh. This is both a wonderful reference, and a fun book to flip through, and I found it quite enjoyable, and laughed a lot. Again a nice gift for certain people at the holidays.
One of my biggest regrets is that I am not a fluent speaker of any language. Not even of the language that was spoken in my home, that I have been taught in and use at work all the time. English. This language is still a mystery to me. I still have to remember my there, their and they're, I before E accept after C, all the things that Schoolhouse Rock instilled in me before I went to school and forgot everything. Though when I first started working in Waldenbooks the book Anguished English by Richard Lederer, was a popular title, and Dell Publishing came out with a whole series of books on words that I devoured, and somehow retained. Though I can't spell them, and probably are not using them right. So I have always loved books on words. And now I think I have a new Gosh Dang favorite in Words From Hell:Unearthing the Darkest Secrets of English Etymology by writer and word fiend Jess Zafarris. The book goes into the history of words that can be used to be both profane, and supernatural, violent, anatomically descriptive and much more.
The book begins with a introduction that discusses the author's pas in writing books about word origins for young readers, and moving up to words that children would have their mouths washed out with soap for using. From there we look at word origins, with an overview of language, and how words are brought in, adapted or corrupted and move on. The book is then broken into 10 chapters dealing with words that could be used as obscenities, words about the body, words about war, the human nature for bias and bigotry, booze and drugs, and of course spicy words about spicy things and descriptions. These chapters have brief preamble, followed by an alphabetical listing of words to fit the section. For example Assassin in Chapter Eight. The word is presented with a history of where it came from, prominent uses, how the word has been corrupted, and use today, with examples.
A very fun look at language, and language that is usually pooh-poohed by most, but as the political discussion becomes more course, it helps to understand where these words are coming from, and more importantly, how to use them. Zafarris is very funny, and a very good writer which helps keep that narrative moving. Books like this can get in its own way with just lists that seem daunting to the reader. I suggest one shouldn't just sit down and read this, more look at it a section at a time, and let the words soak in. This way one can learn how to incorporate these words into one's vernacular be it telling a boss off, or getting cut off in traffic.
A good gift for a friend that uses a lot of blue language as a way to increase their verbiage, and hopefully make them laugh. This is both a wonderful reference, and a fun book to flip through, and I found it quite enjoyable, and laughed a lot. Again a nice gift for certain people at the holidays.
November 1, 2023
Words from Hell: Unearthing the Darkest Secrets of English Etymology by Jess Zafarris is a exploration of the English language, where words go to be tortured and mutilated into unrecognizable shadows of their former selves. It's where Latin, Greek, and Germanic roots are shredded apart and stitched unceremoniously back together with misunderstood snippets of languages snatched from the wreckage of conquest and colonialism. It wreaks merciless havoc upon grammar and spelling. It turns clinical terms into insults and children's tales into filthy euphemisms. With an emphasis on understanding where the foulest words in the English language came from-and the disgusting and hilarious histories behind them-this book demonstrates the true filth of our everyday words. But this book is more than just a list of vulgar words and salacious slang. It's a thoughtful analysis of why we deem words as being inappropriate as well as revealing 'good words' that have surprisingly naughty origins. Dirty-minded word nerds and lewd linguistics lovers will derive unadulterated pleasure in leering at the origins of swear words, sexual lingo, inappropriate idioms, violent vocabulary, and terminology for bodily functions-not to mention the unexpectedly foul origins of words you thought were perfectly innocent. If it's inappropriate, stomach-churning, uncomfortable, or offensive, this book reaches into the dark recesses of history and exposes them for all to see.
Words from Hell is a book crafted for readers that love learning about words, and take joy in discovering the dirty, unexpected, and unusual path some words have taken to get to their current connotation, and dictionary definition. I was glad that the author took the time to point out how much of the English language has been stolen from other languages, and how many cultures, languages, and people were destroyed via colonization over the years. Not to mention the classism, racisms, and xenophobic tendencies that seem to pepper themselves trough out the way the language has developed. I thought the book was well organized, and offered a sardonic tone, with facts and humor balancing nicely. I think word nerds will enjoy the read.
Words from Hell is a book crafted for readers that love learning about words, and take joy in discovering the dirty, unexpected, and unusual path some words have taken to get to their current connotation, and dictionary definition. I was glad that the author took the time to point out how much of the English language has been stolen from other languages, and how many cultures, languages, and people were destroyed via colonization over the years. Not to mention the classism, racisms, and xenophobic tendencies that seem to pepper themselves trough out the way the language has developed. I thought the book was well organized, and offered a sardonic tone, with facts and humor balancing nicely. I think word nerds will enjoy the read.
October 6, 2025
Rating: 5* of five
The Publisher Says: The English language is where words go to be tortured and mutilated into unrecognizable shadows of their former selves. It's where Latin, Greek, and Germanic roots are shredded apart and stitched unceremoniously back together with misunderstood snippets of languages snatched from the wreckage of conquest and colonialism. It wreaks merciless havoc upon grammar and spelling. It turns clinical terms into insults and children's tales into filthy euphemisms.
With an emphasis on understanding where the foulest words in the English language came from-and the disgusting and hilarious histories behind them-this book demonstrates the true filth of our everyday words. But this book is more than just a list of vulgar words and salacious slang. It's a thoughtful analysis of why we deem words as being inappropriate as well as revealing 'good words' that have surprisingly naughty origins.
Dirty-minded word nerds and lewd linguistics lovers will derive unadulterated pleasure in leering at the origins of swear words, sexual lingo, inappropriate idioms, violent vocabulary, and terminology for bodily functions—not to mention the unexpectedly foul origins of words you thought were perfectly innocent. If it's inappropriate, stomach-churning, uncomfortable, or offensive, this book reaches into the dark recesses of history and exposes them for all to see.
True to the Chambers brand, this book combines humour, scholarly research and a beautiful design. It is a book to enjoy, collect and revisit time and time again.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: If you can't instantly see the appeal of this book, it is not for you.
Also, why the fuck is your prissy, pursey-mouthed self reading my reviews?
The Publisher Says: The English language is where words go to be tortured and mutilated into unrecognizable shadows of their former selves. It's where Latin, Greek, and Germanic roots are shredded apart and stitched unceremoniously back together with misunderstood snippets of languages snatched from the wreckage of conquest and colonialism. It wreaks merciless havoc upon grammar and spelling. It turns clinical terms into insults and children's tales into filthy euphemisms.
With an emphasis on understanding where the foulest words in the English language came from-and the disgusting and hilarious histories behind them-this book demonstrates the true filth of our everyday words. But this book is more than just a list of vulgar words and salacious slang. It's a thoughtful analysis of why we deem words as being inappropriate as well as revealing 'good words' that have surprisingly naughty origins.
Dirty-minded word nerds and lewd linguistics lovers will derive unadulterated pleasure in leering at the origins of swear words, sexual lingo, inappropriate idioms, violent vocabulary, and terminology for bodily functions—not to mention the unexpectedly foul origins of words you thought were perfectly innocent. If it's inappropriate, stomach-churning, uncomfortable, or offensive, this book reaches into the dark recesses of history and exposes them for all to see.
True to the Chambers brand, this book combines humour, scholarly research and a beautiful design. It is a book to enjoy, collect and revisit time and time again.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: If you can't instantly see the appeal of this book, it is not for you.
Also, why the fuck is your prissy, pursey-mouthed self reading my reviews?
August 13, 2023
I am a language lover and have always adored exploring the roots and origins of words, so Jeff Zafarris’ “Words from Hell: The Darkest Secrets of English Etymology,” immediately interested me. From the first page to the last, I laughed-out-loud, as well as squirmed some, as I read with enthusiasm the vocabulary definitions and historical contexts of lurid, filthy-mouthed swear words, so sadly commonly spoken in today’s world.
This highly detailed, well-documented, and extraordinarily referenced work, also includes extensive examples of offensively pejorative slang phrases and slurs of ethnic, religious, racial, sexual, and gender identity (these also too offensive to list). Almost 300-pages in length, Zafarris provides origins and contexts on many other word categories: gender, sexuality, war, horror, alcohol, and witchcraft to name a few.
Although considered an entertainment book of humor and satire, this is a particularly useful reference document; however, read it with an open mind because the contents are graphic, jarring and XXX-rated. This is not for the squeamish nor the prudish because the contents are explicit and many are sexually-oriented.
Nonetheless, for literary purposes, this is a fabulous source of rare material and includes an extensive bibliography for reference.
TheBookMaven graciously thanks NetGalley, Author Jeff Zafarris, and Publisher Hachette an imprint of Chambers Books for this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) for review.
This highly detailed, well-documented, and extraordinarily referenced work, also includes extensive examples of offensively pejorative slang phrases and slurs of ethnic, religious, racial, sexual, and gender identity (these also too offensive to list). Almost 300-pages in length, Zafarris provides origins and contexts on many other word categories: gender, sexuality, war, horror, alcohol, and witchcraft to name a few.
Although considered an entertainment book of humor and satire, this is a particularly useful reference document; however, read it with an open mind because the contents are graphic, jarring and XXX-rated. This is not for the squeamish nor the prudish because the contents are explicit and many are sexually-oriented.
Nonetheless, for literary purposes, this is a fabulous source of rare material and includes an extensive bibliography for reference.
TheBookMaven graciously thanks NetGalley, Author Jeff Zafarris, and Publisher Hachette an imprint of Chambers Books for this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) for review.
November 4, 2023
This isn’t your usual etymology book. Here you’ll find the histories of words relating to swearing, body parts and functions, sexuality, insults, slurs, racism, ableism, pirate talk, war and all things supernatural.
I found a few new favourites along the way, most notably brainsquirt, a word used about 350 years ago meaning “a feeble or abortive attempt at reasoning.” There’s also ignivomous, “spitting or vomiting fire”.
Then there were surprises, like discovering that in the 14th century, bowel meant tenderness or compassion.
In hindsight, it probably would have been better if I’d dipped in and out of this book over a few weeks, reading about a handful of words each time. Reading from cover to cover, I ended up a bit bogged down.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Chambers, an imprint of John Murray Press, for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 3.5 stars.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
I found a few new favourites along the way, most notably brainsquirt, a word used about 350 years ago meaning “a feeble or abortive attempt at reasoning.” There’s also ignivomous, “spitting or vomiting fire”.
Then there were surprises, like discovering that in the 14th century, bowel meant tenderness or compassion.
The word “shark” (or “sharker”) first appeared in English in the 1400’s, and at that time it meant “scoundrel”, “villain” or “swindler”. It wasn’t a word for the animal in English until the 1700’s.My favourite part of this book was the folktale about the jack-o’-lantern, where Jack successfully tricks Satan more than once, but at a price.
In hindsight, it probably would have been better if I’d dipped in and out of this book over a few weeks, reading about a handful of words each time. Reading from cover to cover, I ended up a bit bogged down.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Chambers, an imprint of John Murray Press, for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 3.5 stars.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
July 29, 2024
It is challenging to make a dictionary interesting, which is what the author has largely done. I agree with other reviewers that it is probably not something to be read from end-to-end, but in bits and pieces or as an interesting reference for those debates about from where a particular curse originated. The sections debunking common misconceptions are also quite interesting.
For my part, I'd probably have liked fewer words but more covered in greater depth. Often the text talks about when a word entered English usage, and sometimes what word of a similar meaning was which preceded it, but I'd also be interested also to know some measure of how common its use was and more examples of the use.
There are legitimate criticisms of the past in here (particularly in the bias chapter) which are accurate, appropriate, and fine. But at times the author seems to revel in (post-modern?) in-jokes which add nothing other than indicating the author's personal leanings, something I find a little tedious in contemporary non-fiction.
Finally, in a few places old letters are used (thorn and eth). I'm fortunate to have met these in various podcasts, but had I not there would be no reference to what they were.
For my part, I'd probably have liked fewer words but more covered in greater depth. Often the text talks about when a word entered English usage, and sometimes what word of a similar meaning was which preceded it, but I'd also be interested also to know some measure of how common its use was and more examples of the use.
There are legitimate criticisms of the past in here (particularly in the bias chapter) which are accurate, appropriate, and fine. But at times the author seems to revel in (post-modern?) in-jokes which add nothing other than indicating the author's personal leanings, something I find a little tedious in contemporary non-fiction.
Finally, in a few places old letters are used (thorn and eth). I'm fortunate to have met these in various podcasts, but had I not there would be no reference to what they were.
December 8, 2023
I'm a language lover and I really enjoy books on etymology, especially when well-presented. Jess Zafarris has provided a great book filled with word histories. Not all of it is taboo language as I initially thought. This book covers that well with chapters on the body, erotica and insults. But it also includes chapters on bias and bigotry and for ableism and mental health which are not ones I have seen in other similar texts. There are some pretty hellish words amongst these and it was good to see them acknowledged. Hellish in a slightly different way are chapters on drugs, crime, scandal, violence and the supernatural, to put it simply. . I found these really interesting to read and it was good to learn so much of the history behind these words. Some of the backgrounds are really quite surprising.
I rate this four solid stars and recommend this book for anyone interested in word histories, particularly those of the more hell-ish variety. Thank you to Netgalley and Chambers for giving me an advanced reader copy. I have provided this feedback under no obligation.
I rate this four solid stars and recommend this book for anyone interested in word histories, particularly those of the more hell-ish variety. Thank you to Netgalley and Chambers for giving me an advanced reader copy. I have provided this feedback under no obligation.
January 28, 2024
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I am the kind of person who loves looking up the origin of common phrases so when I came across this book I knew I had to read it. I loved all the background and facts about each word, including the theories about where they were first used or recorded. It was also so interesting to see how many words weren't originally used as insults but over time took on those meanings. It's a great example of how language is always changing and morphing into something new, which we still see happening today. I so wish I could recommend this book to some of the students and teachers I work with for part of vocabulary lessons in English classes, but obviously due to the types of words included here I'd probably get myself (and them) into a bit of trouble. I think it would help people be more appreciative of how intricate and complicated our language really is. I loved this book from start to finish. I received this copy as an e-book, but I definitely want a physical copy for my bookshelf!
I am the kind of person who loves looking up the origin of common phrases so when I came across this book I knew I had to read it. I loved all the background and facts about each word, including the theories about where they were first used or recorded. It was also so interesting to see how many words weren't originally used as insults but over time took on those meanings. It's a great example of how language is always changing and morphing into something new, which we still see happening today. I so wish I could recommend this book to some of the students and teachers I work with for part of vocabulary lessons in English classes, but obviously due to the types of words included here I'd probably get myself (and them) into a bit of trouble. I think it would help people be more appreciative of how intricate and complicated our language really is. I loved this book from start to finish. I received this copy as an e-book, but I definitely want a physical copy for my bookshelf!
July 26, 2023
Words from Hell is a wickedly humorous exploration of the English language. It explores the origins and history of the lewd, vulgar, and salacious as well as words that are not as innocent as they appear.
Super fascinating, my favorite section was on the etymology of horror, witchcraft, and the supernatural. But truly every chapter was chock full of great and easily digestible information. The blend of in depth information on etymology, history and humor keep this book interesting. It’s a real delight for word nerds, people who enjoy trivia and people interested in the darker aspects of language.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Super fascinating, my favorite section was on the etymology of horror, witchcraft, and the supernatural. But truly every chapter was chock full of great and easily digestible information. The blend of in depth information on etymology, history and humor keep this book interesting. It’s a real delight for word nerds, people who enjoy trivia and people interested in the darker aspects of language.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2024
For lovers of words
This book is only for lovers of words. It is evidently a product of the author’s excellent, thorough etymological research. The result is an interesting compendium of terms (‘words from hell’) grouped under a large number of ‘hellish’ headings, such as (and I paraphrase from memory) ‘curses’, ‘insults’, ‘deaths’, ‘end of the world’, etc, etc, with the etymology of each word/term presented in no more than a few paragraphs.
As such a compendium, however, it does not provide smooth reading. Neither can it serve as a dictionary, since arranging according to ideas (and not alphabetically) makes it difficult for someone to look up particular items. That is why I only give three stars for this otherwise quite excellent work.
This book is only for lovers of words. It is evidently a product of the author’s excellent, thorough etymological research. The result is an interesting compendium of terms (‘words from hell’) grouped under a large number of ‘hellish’ headings, such as (and I paraphrase from memory) ‘curses’, ‘insults’, ‘deaths’, ‘end of the world’, etc, etc, with the etymology of each word/term presented in no more than a few paragraphs.
As such a compendium, however, it does not provide smooth reading. Neither can it serve as a dictionary, since arranging according to ideas (and not alphabetically) makes it difficult for someone to look up particular items. That is why I only give three stars for this otherwise quite excellent work.
April 27, 2025
This is a lovely blend of etymology and related cultural analysis, perfect for anyone who is that brand of nerd (dat me). This is not a book to be read in one sitting- it took me several months - but that’s because it’s a long (and fascinating) list of sorts, with more enjoyment in bite sized pieces. I could have read it faster, but I would have enjoyed it less. I sometimes laughed out loud at this, or shared a few more incredible word origins with my husband aloud, or took notes on a few words I hadn’t previously considered interesting or problematic (but do now). The author accomplished both the research and the writing with the right amount of academic authority, the right dash of respect, and the right amount of irreverence.
December 20, 2023
This book is delightful! It's also gross. And sad. And risque. And astonishing. Basically all of the parts of human existence that make us make language are here. So it's maybe not for young readers, but there are lots of facts and connections that you can pass along to them, and anyone else who'll listen. When your blowhard uncle starts talking conspiracy theories at the holiday table, tell him that science, schizophrenia, and shit all have the same root word (proto-Indo-European for "to separate"). Word etymologies FTW!
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 11, 2023
4 ⭐️
This is the perfect book to prepare yourself to “Ackchyually…” your friends. Your friends will then hate you and you will no longer have any friends. In short, this is a book to study if you want more alone time.
All jokes aside. I found this to be an interesting book where I could discover where the more colorful words in our language came from.
I would recommend this to anyone who has an interest in language and writing.
**Thank you, NetGalley and Hachette, Chambers Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.**
This is the perfect book to prepare yourself to “Ackchyually…” your friends. Your friends will then hate you and you will no longer have any friends. In short, this is a book to study if you want more alone time.
All jokes aside. I found this to be an interesting book where I could discover where the more colorful words in our language came from.
I would recommend this to anyone who has an interest in language and writing.
**Thank you, NetGalley and Hachette, Chambers Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.**
November 1, 2023
3.5
This is an interesting look at the history behind a lot of different words. I like that the author wasn't afraid to make jokes and use "crude" language. However, something about this made it very hard for me to read large portions at a time. Maybe repetitiveness?
I hope they'll be fixed in the finished edition, but there were multiple typos, most obviously with dates (the Thirty Year's War lasted 30 years, not 20, and Ursula K Le Guin didn't die at -3 years old).
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.
This is an interesting look at the history behind a lot of different words. I like that the author wasn't afraid to make jokes and use "crude" language. However, something about this made it very hard for me to read large portions at a time. Maybe repetitiveness?
I hope they'll be fixed in the finished edition, but there were multiple typos, most obviously with dates (the Thirty Year's War lasted 30 years, not 20, and Ursula K Le Guin didn't die at -3 years old).
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.
March 27, 2024
This was a fun read, and while it's full of interesting facts, doesn't read like a textbook. The chapters are separated into themes, and while some of the origins are theories and not factual, Zafarris is careful to denote the differences. I found the history of the words listed fascinating, especially because a lot of the words are everyday ones. The fact that the book focuses on "dirty" words just made it more fun and interesting in my opinion. It's easy for even non-linguists to enjoy, as long as you have some curiosity about language.
December 31, 2024
Thickly spreading a charientismus of commonplace words that can put your pickle in a vice, I can find no way to put a rag of honour over the fact that this was the most hilarious book I've read this year.
O, the calumny of my beloved English language and its nincompoop way to juggle connotations in most bizarre fashions.
If you're brave enough, tough enough and Anglophile enough to get excited by what naughty words _actually_ mean, this book will give you hours upon hours of joy and giggles.
O, the calumny of my beloved English language and its nincompoop way to juggle connotations in most bizarre fashions.
If you're brave enough, tough enough and Anglophile enough to get excited by what naughty words _actually_ mean, this book will give you hours upon hours of joy and giggles.
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April 18, 2025Words from Hell is a fascinating journey into the history of swear words, insults, and all sorts of weird and wonderful words. I loved the way the book was divided into relevant sections so it didn’t feel overwhelming. There was a section on slurs which was handled delicately and some were mentioned but not by name (rather by nickname). I’d recommend it to any other fans of etymology because I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the topic of swear words and other rude or bold words and phrases throughout the years.
October 29, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.
As someone with a bit of a potty mouth and a thirst for knowledge, this book is perfect. I feel like I'm now full of semi useless, yet important information that everyone who speaks with me will learn as well. Highly recommend this book to does who often ask "Why do we say this?"
I will be buying a hard copy to have on hand.
As someone with a bit of a potty mouth and a thirst for knowledge, this book is perfect. I feel like I'm now full of semi useless, yet important information that everyone who speaks with me will learn as well. Highly recommend this book to does who often ask "Why do we say this?"
I will be buying a hard copy to have on hand.
June 25, 2024
This was an interesting read but definitely for those who like non-fiction and etymology. While certainly approachable in style, I did not find it was easy to read for very long. It worked better in a chapter at a time and I appreciated the way the author had divided up the work. My fave chapters were The Body Problem and Spellbound. I learned a good bit, and even had some laughs along the way. She definitely digs deep and I am probably going to check out her podcasts!
November 10, 2024
I saw this at a local book shop and had to get it! I love etymology, and the taboo of this book was fun to read. Definitely only for those willing to hear about crude subjects, but I’ve been interested in where all these colorful words come from and the author tried their best to answer my questions with the knowledge available to us- facts or multiple prevailing theories for each term, but concise entries. Glad I snatched the book up when I saw it!
September 5, 2023
This wasn't my typical reading choice, but it was a fun one!
It's educational, but the topic and the writing were both entertaining. The author’s tone was fun and light even while talking about the Germanic origin of a word or breaking out a quote from the 1800s. The book made the information understandable and interesting.
I'd recommend this one!
It's educational, but the topic and the writing were both entertaining. The author’s tone was fun and light even while talking about the Germanic origin of a word or breaking out a quote from the 1800s. The book made the information understandable and interesting.
I'd recommend this one!
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