Minding Spot A euphemism is a substitution for an expression that may offend or suggest something unpleasant to the receiver, using instead an agreeable or less offensive expression,[1] or to make it less troublesome for the speaker, as in the case of doublespeak. We all do it. Bit the Big One. Bun in the Oven. …
Ralph interviewed on The Book Nook (WYSO)
Ralph was recently interviewed on The Book Nook, a program on WYSO in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Part 1 (December 20) and Part 2 (December 27) of the interview are available on the WYSO website.
FROM THE BRAIN OF CJHANNAS
October 30, 2010 Talking Retro I always enjoy when people recommend books to me, but for some reason it always takes me forever to get around to reading those titles. Ralph Keyes’ “I Love It When You Talk Retro” is a prime example. My friend Jaclyn turned me onto it, probably a year ago, but …
The Romantic Type
The Romantic Type I have to say Euphemania was very funny! I loved every bit of it. What is a Euphemism? The act or an example of substituting a mild, indirect, or vague term for one considered harsh, blunt, or offensive. Can you please give us an example?! From the book: “This may pinch a little.” …
INVISIBLE THEME PARK
June 28, 2010 Retro Words I Love I love antiquated words. Some of the best stories about the origins of words come from a book called I Love It When You Talk Retro, by Ralph Keyes. • The word “widget” comes from a 1924 play called Beggar on Horseback, by George S. Kaufman and Marc …
Amazon Customer Review: So interesting!
***** 5 stars Sarah Mallory (Sacramento, CA) (REAL NAME) loved finding out about the origins of all of these common phrases. Some I had never even heard of, but some I had an idea of where they came from. Quite an interesting read. I am only 23, so while I have heard most of the …