Here are over 5,000 slang words and phrases common to 20th-century English, providing a comprehensive and highly engaging guide to the most outspoken corner of our language. Unlike most such dictionaries this volume is organized thematically. Within each section the words are listed chronologically, starting with the century's earliest words and phrases and progressing right through to the present day, thus illuminating the development of slang and colloquial language over the last hundred years. Word origins and other interesting features of usage are given wherever possible, as are illustrative quotations from a wide range of authors. A comprehensive A-Z index lists all words included in the dictionary, so you can find a particular word quickly. From five-finger discount to forty-rod whiskey , this is an authoritative and up-to-date record of slang throughout the English language.