Nearly everything you say is or once was considered offensive. This is primary lesson I took from reading "Bawdy Language," a funny little reference guide that details the history, usage and mutable nature of offensive language. Full of the sort of historical tidbits crossword fiends love reading about, the book covers a lot of ground, from the wide range of sexual phrases to the language used to describe various forms of human waste expulsion. Referring to somebody's "legs" was once considered offensive. The terms "white and dark meat" developed because some people were uncomfortable with asking for some breasts and thighs. "Shat," from which the word "shit" derives, was once as inoffensive as saying "feces." Some references to current sexual politics are thrown in as well. The common use word "vagina" stems from the Latin word for "sheath" (i.e. the thing you use to hold your sword. Wonderful imagery there), whereas the despised "cunt" actually has respectable origins.

What one gets the most from the book is the idea of what is and is not offensive is entirely arbitrary, stemming from the proclivities of the listener. In actuality, it's all just part of our language, and a vital part at that. The only truly offensive part of the book is the lack of an adequate index and the author's rather heinous punning.

(This review originally appeared on zombieunderground.net) ( )