How Not to Say what You Mean - A Dictionary of Euphemisms 3 ed.

Holder R.W. How Not to Say what You Mean - A Dictionary of Euphemisms [Oxford Paperback Reference] 3 ed. 2002 [pdf 525sc 501c. 13.39mb] 

1 ed. - 1987, rev. - 1989;  2 ed. - 1995, 1996

We often use euphemisms when dealing with taboo or sensitive subjects--we speak of "full-figured" women, we "fudge" on our income tax, we get "cold feet" before our wedding. Here, author Holder celebrates this human tendency to use mild, vague, or roundabout expressions rather than those which are blunt, precise, and true. The dictionary provides definitions, examples, as well as historical explanations where appropriate.--From publisher description.