Language of Sadomasochism

Thomas E. Murray was a professor in the Department of English at Kansas State University. Among his publications are The Language of St. Louis, Missouri, Apects of American English, The Language of Handspinning, Dialogue Graffiti in American English, and articles in American Speech, Names, SECOL Review, Maledicta, and other journals.Thomas R. Murrell has a PhD in 20th-century American literature from Ohio State University.

First, this is a serious pioneering work of linguistic scholarship. It is inspired by the work of David W. Maurer (Language of the Underworld, CH, Mar' 82), who believed that the study of underworld argot provided valuable information on the relationship of language and culture. In this instance, a most singular subgroup employing a highly unique set of special terms is being recorded. Sadomasochism has been called the last taboo and is rarely the conversation topic of choice at most polite gatherings; there is, however, considerable evidence that it too is beginning to edge out of the shadows. The authors in their detailed preface define sadomasochism and indicate their methodology. The core of the study is the glossary of terms specifically used in practicing the various forms of SM. The entries are succinct and blunt; many if not most of the implied activities are almost beyond close consideration unless one is an initiate. Since this information is derived directly from personal ads or speciality publications there is no reason to doubt the authenticity. From time to time in the glossary the authors seem to be reaching; it is likely that both stewardess and travel mean nothing more in this context than the standard meaning. As a pioneering study, this has to rank with the remarkable work by Roger D. Abrahams on black urban culture, Deep Down in the Jungle (1964), which formally recorded the street rhymes popularly known as the dirty dozens. As a reference book this will be useful to advanced students of abnormal psychology, law enforcement, linguistics, medicine, and sociology.

• Introduction: Sadomasochism--the Subculture and Its Place in History and LiteratureThe Language of SadomasochismGlossaryForm and Substance in the Language of SadomasochismAppendix: Publications Related to Sexual Sadomasochism