Publisher's Synopsis
"Larpers and Shroomers" is a collection of the most intriguing facts and observations on the English language in recent years, and particularly in 2004. In her eminently browsable exploration of the changing face of English, Susie Dent, Countdown's dictionary expert, takes us on a journey through the most exotic and dynamic areas of the language. The book covers new words from 'sexiles' to 'gangmasters', euphemisms from 'full and frank discussions' to 'downsizing', and world English from 'izzit?' to 'barbecue stoppers'. Chapters also examine the effect of slang, technology, politics, TV, and the media on everyday vocabulary, while others chart the changing face of grammar, punctuation, and pronunciation. Dent also looks at new language emerging from the Internet and chatrooms, as well as in the worlds of food and drink and fashion. A brand-new fresh design brings the language to life on the page, looks very elegant, and makes the book easy to read. Based authoritative information from Oxford's Language Research Programme, the largest such programme in the world, this volume brings completely fresh information to readers.;Compellingly informative and readable, "Larpers and Shroomers" has something for everyone.
