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Argot and slang Book Summary

Published in 1861, *Argot and Slang* by Frederic Lees is a fascinating, if somewhat dated, exploration of the secret languages and colloquialisms used by various social groups in 19th-century France and England. Lees, a philologist, meticulously catalogs terms used by criminals, the military, actors, and other subcultures, offering a glimpse into a world hidden from polite society. It's a work of linguistic anthropology before that field was fully formed, driven by a Victorian-era curiosity about the underbelly of urban life.
This book is essentially a dictionary and historical analysis of 'argot' (French slang, particularly that of the criminal underworld) and 'slang' (British informal language). Lees doesn't just list words; he delves into their origins, tracing how they evolved and spread through different communities. He categorizes slang by the groups who use it – thieves, soldiers, actors, gypsies, and even specific trades – and examines the social functions of these specialized vocabularies. A significant portion of the book focuses on the deliberate obscurity of argot, its use as a tool for exclusion and secrecy, and the clever ways in which it disguises meaning.

One of the most striking lessons from *Argot and Slang* is the power of language to define and separate social groups. Lees demonstrates how specialized vocabularies aren't simply about using different words; they're about creating a sense of belonging and excluding outsiders. For example, the elaborate argot of the French *milieu* (criminal underworld) was designed to be unintelligible to the police and general public, allowing criminals to communicate freely and plan their activities without detection. This highlights how language can be a form of social capital, granting access and influence within a particular community.

The book also reveals the surprisingly creative and dynamic nature of slang. Lees shows that slang isn't simply 'bad' language; it's a constantly evolving system of metaphor, euphemism, and wordplay. He details how new slang terms are often born from existing words, repurposed with ironic or subversive meanings. Consider how military slang frequently adapts everyday terms to describe battlefield situations – a 'strafe' becoming a specific type of attack, or 'chow' referring to food. This demonstrates the human capacity to adapt and innovate even in the most challenging circumstances, and to find humor and expression through language.

Furthermore, *Argot and Slang* illustrates the historical context of language change. Lees meticulously traces the origins of many slang terms, showing how they reflect historical events, social conditions, and cultural trends. For instance, slang related to gambling and prostitution reveals much about the economic realities and moral codes of 19th-century cities. The book emphasizes that language isn't static; it's a living record of a society's past. Understanding the history of slang can therefore provide valuable insights into the history of the people who used it.

Finally, the book subtly points to the universality of slang. While focusing on French and English examples, Lees shows that the *phenomenon* of specialized, informal language exists across cultures and social strata. The need to create in-group identifiers, to express rebellion, and to find novel ways of communicating are all fundamental human drives that manifest themselves in slang, regardless of location or time period.

  • You are fascinated by the history of language and etymology.
  • You enjoy learning about social history and the lives of people from different backgrounds.
  • You are interested in the relationship between language and social identity.
  • You appreciate detailed, scholarly research, even if it's a bit dated.
  • You're a writer or linguist looking for inspiration or historical context.
While the specific slang terms Lees documents are largely obsolete, the underlying principles he explores remain incredibly relevant. The dynamics of in-group language, the creative evolution of slang, and its reflection of social change continue to shape how we communicate today. However, the book's scope is limited to 19th-century France and England. A modern reader would benefit from a more global and contemporary perspective. Therefore, while a valuable historical document, it's surpassed by more recent scholarship.
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*Argot and Slang* is a remarkable piece of linguistic history, offering a unique window into the hidden languages of 19th-century society. Though its examples are dated, its insights into the social and creative functions of slang are timeless. It's a rewarding read for anyone interested in the power of language to shape our world, and a fascinating reminder that even the most 'lowly' forms of speech can reveal profound truths about the human condition.
Tags : Encyclopedias/Dictionaries/Reference Language & Communication