1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue

The "1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue" by Francis Grose is a lexicon of slang and colloquial expressions compiled in the early 19th century. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Slang and Vernacular Language: The dictionary provides an extensive collection of terms used by various social classes, particularly focusing on the jargon of the lower orders of society, including thieves, pickpockets, and bawds, as well as terms from university slang.
2. Class Distinctions in Speech: Grose highlights the differences in language usage among various social groups, noting that even the wealthy and fashionable developed their own vulgarisms.
3. Evolution of Language: The dictionary documents the dynamic nature of communication, showcasing how slang evolves and reflects the cultural nuances of a bygone era.
4. Identity and Resistance: Slang is observed to serve as a form of identity and resistance within different social groups, providing a humorous and often surprising insight into the slang that colored their conversations.

Plot Summary

The book is not a narrative but a dictionary that compiles and documents various slang terms and colloquial expressions. It includes hundreds of great insults, playful phrases, and risqué terms that characterized the period. The dictionary aims to make comprehensible the colorful and often bawdy language of the time, emphasizing its moral significance in understanding the unique slang used by different social groups.

Critical Reception

The dictionary has been widely acknowledged for its merit and significance in documenting the vernacular language of early 19th-century England. However, its circulation was initially confined to the lower orders of society, as Grose did not anticipate that the wealthy would also use such slang. The book has been praised for its comprehensive collection and historical value, making it a valuable resource for understanding the linguistic fabric of the time. It has also been noted for its humorous and often surprising insights into the slang that colored everyday conversations.

Additional Context

Francis Grose (1731-1791) was an English antiquary, draughtsman, and lexicographer who produced several dictionaries, including "A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue" (1785) and "A Provincial Glossary, with a Collection of Local Proverbs, and Popular Superstitions" (1787). The "1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue" is a continuation of his earlier work, revised and expanded to better reflect the changing vernacular of the time.

Overall, the "1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue" by Francis Grose is a groundbreaking lexicon that offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of slang and colloquial language from early 19th-century England. Its comprehensive collection and historical significance make it a valuable resource for linguists, historians, and anyone interested in the cultural nuances of a bygone era.