This book explores the complex nature of offence, examining how language, from words to patterns, constructs offensive meanings. Offence is shown as subjective, shaped by the target's perspective. Through a multi-layered analysis of language on social media, it reveals how language choices can have significant consequences.

Even before its usage to mean "a female canine," bitch didn't refer to women at all-it originated as a gender-neutral word for "genitalia." A perfectly innocuous word devolving into an insult directed at females is the case for tons more terms, including hussy, which simply meant "housewife";

A comprehensive guide to global English variations in phonology, grammar, vocabulary, and pragmatics. Features new audio examples, updated models, inclusive language sections, and expanded foreign-variety descriptions.

A comprehensive guide to global English variations in phonology, grammar, vocabulary, and pragmatics. Features new audio examples, updated models, inclusive language sections, and expanded foreign-variety descriptions.

Showcases new developments in and approaches to World Englishes since the publication of the Dynamic Model.

Originally published in 1927, The World of Imagery is a study of the use of metaphor, simile, and other forms of literary imagery from the ancient Hebrew to the early twentieth century.