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Lexicon: American Style 2: Exercising Our English Language, Our 'Flexicon'
It has been proven that one of the most effective ways to learn and retain information is to do so while being entertained. Thus, the goal of this book...to improve the reader's grasp and usage of the English language while evoking smiles, smirks, even raised and furrowed brows. It is quite simply a fun, informative read.
Let's call this written exercise a 'Flexicon'...a flexing of our American English lexicon. Lexicon: American Style II is a further examination and celebration of our Americanized version of the Kings English. The first half of the book is a breakdown of how we commonly use our words, phrases and names to communicate in these United States.
In addition, Lexicon II is also a collection of humorous American lifestyle observations. The second half of the book labeled, 'Observations From the Carpool Lane' features a wide-ranging group of essays regarding the common, sometimes mystifying, experiences most of us share as modern day American citizens.
These examinations and observations are brought to page by author Patrick Ragains, a middle-aged 'word nerd' advertising veteran from the Midwest, who's wry wit and literal interpretation of our language makes for humorous, insightful reading.
In addition to pure entertainment, Ragains' goal in this book is to expand and enrich his reader's vocabulary and understanding of our language. He flies in the face of current communication trends which, because of technology and linguistic laziness, are reducing our written and verbal interchanges to a number of acronyms, emojis and drab, over-used one syllable words.
The introduction of Lexicon II also pays high tribute to Noah Webster, Jr., the foremost lexicographer in our history. A man who, although he never gained true notoriety as one of our nation's 'founding fathers', is every bit deserving of that distinction. A man whose nationalistic accomplishments and visionary concepts effect almost each and every American on a daily basis.
Not to be over looked, is the adult, profane section towards the end of book that is heavily marked with a warning for sensitive, highly religious and under age readers. This section entitled, 'Down to Nitty Gritty and Shitty' is also featured in the writer's first book as part of his tribute to the late legendary comic George Carlin. Although quite bawdy and even disgusting at points, this section is possibly the most creative and thought provoking in the book.
In the final section of the book, Ragains attempts in impart some of his accrued wisdom on aging, being at peace with one's self, becoming an author, the afterlife bottom lines and finally, some important words to live by.
Where the first Lexicon: American Style leaves off, Lexicon II picks up and blazes new articulated investigations into our American way of communicating. Sophomore author Ragains hits all the areas of our English language missed in his first book, and more...literally, from A to Z... from Acronyms to Zombies. Lexicon: American Style II features 81 provocative, mind-tweaking chapters to jump start the reader's imagination and titillate their Yankee Doodle fancy!
Let's call this written exercise a 'Flexicon'...a flexing of our American English lexicon. Lexicon: American Style II is a further examination and celebration of our Americanized version of the Kings English. The first half of the book is a breakdown of how we commonly use our words, phrases and names to communicate in these United States.
In addition, Lexicon II is also a collection of humorous American lifestyle observations. The second half of the book labeled, 'Observations From the Carpool Lane' features a wide-ranging group of essays regarding the common, sometimes mystifying, experiences most of us share as modern day American citizens.
These examinations and observations are brought to page by author Patrick Ragains, a middle-aged 'word nerd' advertising veteran from the Midwest, who's wry wit and literal interpretation of our language makes for humorous, insightful reading.
In addition to pure entertainment, Ragains' goal in this book is to expand and enrich his reader's vocabulary and understanding of our language. He flies in the face of current communication trends which, because of technology and linguistic laziness, are reducing our written and verbal interchanges to a number of acronyms, emojis and drab, over-used one syllable words.
The introduction of Lexicon II also pays high tribute to Noah Webster, Jr., the foremost lexicographer in our history. A man who, although he never gained true notoriety as one of our nation's 'founding fathers', is every bit deserving of that distinction. A man whose nationalistic accomplishments and visionary concepts effect almost each and every American on a daily basis.
Not to be over looked, is the adult, profane section towards the end of book that is heavily marked with a warning for sensitive, highly religious and under age readers. This section entitled, 'Down to Nitty Gritty and Shitty' is also featured in the writer's first book as part of his tribute to the late legendary comic George Carlin. Although quite bawdy and even disgusting at points, this section is possibly the most creative and thought provoking in the book.
In the final section of the book, Ragains attempts in impart some of his accrued wisdom on aging, being at peace with one's self, becoming an author, the afterlife bottom lines and finally, some important words to live by.
Where the first Lexicon: American Style leaves off, Lexicon II picks up and blazes new articulated investigations into our American way of communicating. Sophomore author Ragains hits all the areas of our English language missed in his first book, and more...literally, from A to Z... from Acronyms to Zombies. Lexicon: American Style II features 81 provocative, mind-tweaking chapters to jump start the reader's imagination and titillate their Yankee Doodle fancy!
186 pages, Paperback
Published October 24, 2017
1 person is currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Ragains
5 books7 followers1980 Graduated Forest Hills Northern high school
1984 Graduated Michigan State University
25 year career in advertising in Detroit & Kalamazoo
Currently a licensed realtor at Berkshire Hathaway
Divorced father of two sons living in Kalamazoo, MI
1984 Graduated Michigan State University
25 year career in advertising in Detroit & Kalamazoo
Currently a licensed realtor at Berkshire Hathaway
Divorced father of two sons living in Kalamazoo, MI
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 13, 2018
I gave this book to my mom, knowing what a word nerd she is, especially when it comes to pre-20th century dictionaries and lexicons, usually in the legal and/or biblical realms. While this book was nothing like either of us expected, it was serendipitous comic relief. This is her review:
Lexicon: American Style 2, which the author also refers to as a “flexicon,” is effectively lists of words, phrases and acronyms chosen for their clever, oxymoronic or quaint value, occasional annoyance factor, or just plain awesomeness. There are included many raunchy euphemisms and other ramblings, but to the author’s credit, ample warning is given preceding the potentially offensive pages.
The author, refreshingly, doesn’t take himself all too seriously, and his sense of humor is welcoming. However, his encouragement of the millennialesque slaughtering of the English language in the form of made-up words and text talking is more than a little irritating. Yes, I understand that English is a living language, but if linguistic liberties continue in this direction, we’ll all (well, almost all…) be clicking our tongues to communicate. Overall, the giggles exceeded the grumbles, so I give it 4 stars.
Lexicon: American Style 2, which the author also refers to as a “flexicon,” is effectively lists of words, phrases and acronyms chosen for their clever, oxymoronic or quaint value, occasional annoyance factor, or just plain awesomeness. There are included many raunchy euphemisms and other ramblings, but to the author’s credit, ample warning is given preceding the potentially offensive pages.
The author, refreshingly, doesn’t take himself all too seriously, and his sense of humor is welcoming. However, his encouragement of the millennialesque slaughtering of the English language in the form of made-up words and text talking is more than a little irritating. Yes, I understand that English is a living language, but if linguistic liberties continue in this direction, we’ll all (well, almost all…) be clicking our tongues to communicate. Overall, the giggles exceeded the grumbles, so I give it 4 stars.
November 25, 2018
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (11/18)
“Lexicon American Style 2,” by Patrick Ragains is the second book in a series that covers the American way of communicating. A great deal can be learned about American culture in this text. This information doesn’t just cover America as a whole, but also the different subcategories that might be found in different states or regions. The author literally covers topics from A to Z. I hate to use the word “literally,” because it is so over used, but the topics actually do range from A to Z and beyond! I found myself gaining an understanding of what words or phrases mean in parts of the country that are unfamiliar to me. Acronyms, idioms, metaphors, oxymorons, etc., they can all be found between these pages. There is also some great advice for creating an online dating account. While I am not in need of one of these accounts, at this time anyway, I found the advice presented to be quite informative.
Foreigners who plan on traveling to the United States will find “Lexicon American Style 2,” to be a great resource to use while traveling around. Perhaps a better understanding of our American terminology could help prevent an international crisis from occurring or escalating! I am also considering giving this book out as Christmas gifts for my friends who have everything. They will really enjoy this one! I have an English as a Second Language instructor on my Christmas list. Perhaps, she will consider using Lexicon American Style 2, as a textbook for her class. It would also make a great bathroom reader for families who have low fiber diets and have to take time to sit around and read, whether they want to or not.
In all seriousness, I do believe that reading “Lexicon American Style 2,” by Patrick Ragains will improve our use of American English. I enjoyed gaining a lot of new information and also having a chance to check my own usage. The area that I found particularly helpful was in the discussion of redundancies. Hopefully, my writing skills will improve a bit. Having a chance to gain knowledge while laughing out loud is wonderful! Readers will find this information extremely interesting and highly entertaining.
“Lexicon American Style 2,” by Patrick Ragains is the second book in a series that covers the American way of communicating. A great deal can be learned about American culture in this text. This information doesn’t just cover America as a whole, but also the different subcategories that might be found in different states or regions. The author literally covers topics from A to Z. I hate to use the word “literally,” because it is so over used, but the topics actually do range from A to Z and beyond! I found myself gaining an understanding of what words or phrases mean in parts of the country that are unfamiliar to me. Acronyms, idioms, metaphors, oxymorons, etc., they can all be found between these pages. There is also some great advice for creating an online dating account. While I am not in need of one of these accounts, at this time anyway, I found the advice presented to be quite informative.
Foreigners who plan on traveling to the United States will find “Lexicon American Style 2,” to be a great resource to use while traveling around. Perhaps a better understanding of our American terminology could help prevent an international crisis from occurring or escalating! I am also considering giving this book out as Christmas gifts for my friends who have everything. They will really enjoy this one! I have an English as a Second Language instructor on my Christmas list. Perhaps, she will consider using Lexicon American Style 2, as a textbook for her class. It would also make a great bathroom reader for families who have low fiber diets and have to take time to sit around and read, whether they want to or not.
In all seriousness, I do believe that reading “Lexicon American Style 2,” by Patrick Ragains will improve our use of American English. I enjoyed gaining a lot of new information and also having a chance to check my own usage. The area that I found particularly helpful was in the discussion of redundancies. Hopefully, my writing skills will improve a bit. Having a chance to gain knowledge while laughing out loud is wonderful! Readers will find this information extremely interesting and highly entertaining.
December 5, 2017
This book is a fun read! A word nerd’s dream come true!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews