On Cussing: Bad Words and Creative Cursing by Katherine Dunn Published by Tin House Books on March 26, 2019
Pages: 64
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Paperback
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F uck the Fuckity Fuckin’ Fucker. Readers of Katherine Dunn won’t be surprised that this was her father’s favorite sentence, or that, as a young girl, she heard it as a kind of profane poem, a secret song. For many of us, the language of Geek Love carries a similar staying power, born of Dunn’s agile use of language and her strange, beautiful diction. And as a true exegete of the expletive, she remained undividedly devoted to obscenity—both as scholar and practitioner.
In On Cussing, Dunn sketches a brief history of swear words and creates something of a field guide to their types and usages, from the common threat (“I’ll squash you like a shithouse mouse”) to the portmanteau intensifier (“Fan-fucking-tastic”). But she also explores their physiology—the physical impact on the reader or listener—and makes an argument for how and when to cuss with maximum effect. Equal parts informative and hilarious, this volume will delight Dunn’s legion of fans, but it’s also a must-have for anyone looking to more successfully wield their expletives, be it in writing or in everyday speech.
About Katherine Dunn
Katherine Dunn is best known for her beloved novel "Geek Love," which was a finalist for the National Book Award in 1989. She is also the author of the novels "Attic" (1970) and "Truck" (1971). A fourth novel, entitled "The Cut Man," has been in-progress for decades and was purportedly scheduled for a September 2008 release.
Dunn is also known as a prolific sports journalist in the field of boxing, and has written several articles on the subject.
Sounds like my kind of fucking book.
What are you waiting on this Wednesday?
Barb (boxermommyreads)
So here’s the thing, my husband hates it when I swear. Now that doesn’t stop me, but it annoys him (maybe why I do it sometimes dear). I NEED this books. It’s so awesome. And while I am at it, I’m gonna finally pick up Geek Love too. I totally believe freedom of speech includes my right to swear. GREAT CHOICE!
Bonnie
Freedom of speech absolutely includes the right to swear. lol I need to read Geek Love too!
Bonnie recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – On Cussing: Bad Words and Creative Cursing by Katherine Dunn
Tammy @ Books, Bones & Buffy
Oh wow, seriously? This is fantastic! And written by Katherine Dunn!!
Tammy @ Books, Bones & Buffy recently posted…Future Fiction #5 – Cover Reveals & Newly Discovered SFF Fiction
Bonnie
I haven’t read anything of hers but this really does sound fantastic.
Bonnie recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – On Cussing: Bad Words and Creative Cursing by Katherine Dunn
Dani
Fuck yeah.
Dani recently posted…Cover Reveal: Handle with Care by Helena Hunting
Bonnie
Fuck. Yeah.
Heidi
I curse far too much, I shouldn’t but I do. I need this!