Author
John Stephen Farmer
1854-1916
John Stephen Farmer (1854-1916) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by John Stephen Farmer
Slang and its analogues past and present, volume 2 [of 7] : $b A dictionary, historical and comparative of the heterodox speech of all classes of society for more than three hundred years. With synonyms in English, French, German, Italian, etc.
No description available.
Slang and its analogues past and present, volume 3 (of 7) : $b A dictionary, historical and comparative, of the heterodox speech of all classes of society for more than three hundred years. With synonyms in English, French, German, Italian, etc.
"Slang and its Analogues Past and Present, Volume 3" by John S. Farmer and W. E. Henley is a historical dictionary compiled to trace and document slang and colloquial language from various social classes over a span of more than three hundred years. Written in the late 19th century, this volume offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of informal English language, with entries detailing the meanings, origins, and usage of diverse slang terms and their equivalents in other languages. The opening of this dictionary introduces a wide range of slang words beginning with "F" and provides detailed definitions, etymologies, and historical references. For instance, it features words like "flabbergast," which means to astound and has been cited in various literary sources since the 18th century. It also highlights unique terms such as "flimsies" referring to banknotes and "flash," which encompasses the speech and behavior of thieves. This compilation not only educates readers about the quirky and often humorous aspects of slang but also preserves the linguistic history of society's undercurrents.
The Public School Word-book A conribution to to a historical glossary of words phrases and turns of expression obsolete and in current use peculiar to our great public schools together with some that have been or are modish at the universities
"The Public School Word-book" by John Stephen Farmer is a descriptive glossary compiled around the late 19th century. This work serves as a collection of words, phrases, and expressions unique to England's public schools, providing historical context for those terms and illustrating their usage through quotations from past and contemporary authors. The text is meant to appeal not only to those familiar with these institutions but also to scholars and general readers interested in linguistic development. The opening of this glossary establishes the author's purpose and the scope of the work. Farmer expresses a desire to fill a notable gap in the documentation of school-specific vernacular, clarifying that this is not merely a collection of school slang but a detailed analytical resource. He outlines his method of gathering terms historically and compares them to other established works, emphasizing their significance in understanding English public school customs and language. The approach promises insights into both historical and modern usage as the text introduces a variety of terms relevant to public school life.
Musa Pedestris - Three Centuries of Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes [1536 - 1896]
"Musa Pedestris - Three Centuries of Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes" collected and annotated by John S. Farmer is a compilation of songs and rhymes focusing on canting and slang, spanning roughly from the early 16th century to the late 19th century. This unique work delves into the vibrant and often overlooked realm of English slang and its use among various societal groups, particularly the fringes of society who employed such language as a means of expression and communication. The opening of the anthology introduces the notion of cant as integral to the vernacular of marginalized groups, crying out for recognition as more than mere folly. The foreword highlights the literary significance and the cultural context of these canting expressions. It discusses the evolution of slang and cant, underscoring their reflections of social life and commentary on societal norms. Various excerpts from canting songs portray the lives of beggars, thieves, and rogues, illuminating their lifestyles and attitudes. Notable pieces include "A Beggar I'll Be," which romanticizes the carefree life of a beggar, and "The Beggar's Curse," which critiques law enforcement's impact on the lives of the impoverished. Together, these excerpts create a rich tapestry that illustrates the historical landscape of English slang across three centuries.