Wordslut

by Amanda Montell
Wordslut cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Language and Linguistics
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Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 1788
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9780062868893
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2019-05-28
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Wordslut delves into the fascinating history and science behind gendered language, uncovering how terms like 'bitch' and 'slut' have evolved to oppress women. Amanda Montell combines humor and linguistic analysis to show how language shapes our perceptions and perpetuates biases. The book also explores modern linguistic trends and their societal implications, offering a fresh perspective on how we communicate and the power of words to drive social change. /n/n Montell's engaging style makes complex linguistic concepts accessible and entertaining, while highlighting the revolutionary potential of language. From grammar and pronunciation to cursing and gossip, she reveals the hidden biases in our everyday speech and how these biases affect women and marginalized genders. Wordslut is a must-read for anyone interested in language, feminism, and the power of words to shape our world.

Reviews
Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2024-05-28
valuable 4.00

The book is packed with useful tidbits and ideas, making it a valuable read despite its relatively short length. The first few chapters were initially hesitant but quickly won the reviewer over.

Kara Babcock notes that Wordslut is surprisingly packed with useful tidbits and ideas for its length. Initially, they were hesitant about the direction of the book, but the first few chapters quickly won them over. The reviewer appreciates the depth of information presented in a concise manner, making it a valuable read for those interested in linguistics and feminism.

Quick quotes

    For a relatively short book, Wordslut is packed with useful tidbits and ideas.

    In the first few chapters, I was hesitant about what shape my thoughts would take.

    The depth of information presented in a concise manner.

Reading, Writing, and Me · 2020-08-06
thoughtful 4.50

The book is fascinating and thoughtful, with a casual and conversational tone that makes the research accessible. It balances academic rigor with approachability.

This reviewer found Wordslut to be both fascinating and thoughtful, appreciating how the author brings her research to the forefront while maintaining a casual and conversational tone. The book strikes a great balance between academic rigor and approachability, making it engaging for a wide audience. They particularly enjoyed how the author makes complex linguistic concepts accessible without dumbing them down.

Quick quotes

    It's a fascinating and thoughtful book.

    Montell brings her research to the forefront while also keeping the tone casual and conversational.

    It balances academic rigor with approachability.

Goodreads · 2019-05-28
entertaining 4.00

The book is not a stuffy academic study but rather an approachable and entertaining exploration of linguistics. The author's humor makes the subject matter both engaging and enjoyable.

This reviewer highlights that Wordslut is far from a dry academic study, thanks to the author's irresistible humor. They found the book to be both approachable and downright entertaining, making linguistics accessible to a broader audience. The humor and engaging writing style are particularly praised, making the book a delightful read.

Quick quotes

    Wordslut is no stuffy academic study; Montell's irresistible humor shines through.

    Making linguistics not only approachable but both downright entertaining.

    The humor and engaging writing style are particularly praised.

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