Subject
French language -- Slang Books
Best books
Alfred Delvau
Dictionnaire érotique moderne
"Dictionnaire érotique moderne" by Alfred Delvau is a specialized lexicon on erotic language written in the mid-19th century. This work aims to catalog and explain a wide range of expressions related to eroticism that are not typically found in standard dictionaries. It serves as a guide to the colorful and often risqué vernacular used in intimate contexts, reflecting societal attitudes towards sexuality during its time. The opening of the book sets the stage for Delvau's ambitious project, as he discusses the absence of comprehensive erotic dictionaries prior to his work. He critiques the reluctance of past authors to address sexual language directly, suggesting that a lexicon of this nature is essential for both casual readers and scholars alike. Delvau emphasizes his commitment to honest and explicit language, stating that he avoids euphemisms and ambiguities to bring clarity to the terms of erotic discourse. He invites readers to view this dictionary as an insightful exploration of the language surrounding love and desire rather than simply a collection of obscene terms, highlighting the importance of such language in understanding the culture of his era.
Arthur Halbert
Le nouveau dictionnaire complet du jargon de l'argot ou, Le langage des voleurs dévoilé
"Le nouveau dictionnaire complet du jargon de l'argot" by Arthur Halbert is a linguistic reference work likely written in the 19th century. This book is a comprehensive dictionary focusing on the language used by criminals, particularly thieves, revealing the unique vocabulary and expressions within the world of Parisian argot or slang. The book aims to educate honest citizens about this specialized language to help them recognize and understand the codes used by criminals around them. The content of the book is structured as a dictionary, presenting an extensive list of terms, phrases, and their meanings, specifically featuring argotic expressions used in various contexts, including crime and everyday interactions among the underclass. Halbert also includes examples of contemporary crimes and schemes, illustrating how the language is utilized in real-life scenarios. This work not only serves as a reference for understanding criminal slang but also organizes the information thematically, making it a resourceful guide for anyone interested in the cultural and linguistic aspects of the lower class in Paris during that era.
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