Dictionary of Catch Phrases

'This is an entertaining work, rich in scatalogical and other forms of insult; it contains much material from the two world wars and the field of popular entertainment ... but maintains a fair degree of scholarly detachment'. - The Year's Work in English Studies`A delightful dictionary to browse through.' - Sunday Times`This dictionary can be read for the sheer fun of it - I read it on a rainy holiday and laughed constantly - but it is a useful book as well ... and like Mr. Partridge's dictionaries of slang ... will be indispensable.' - Paul Theroux`This is for dipping, pottering and looking things up ... Much marvellous stuff here. I look forward to continuous pleasure.' - Punch

• Preface to the first edition, Introduction to the first edition, Modifications of the original introduction, Acknowledgments to the first edition, Preface to the second edition, Acknowledgments to the second edition, Abbreviations, THE DICTIONARY