The Official Politically Correct Dictionary and Handbook

by Christopher Cerf

Book Overview

Newly expanded and up-to-the-minute, a bestselling guide to survival in multicultural America in the sensitive 1990s. Includes even more real and satirical definitions to help keep thought cops away. Illustrated throughout.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679741135
• ISBN13: 9780679741138
• Release Date: May 1992
• Publisher: Villard Books
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.2" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Funny, yet Frightening

When I first bought the book, I was expecting high quality entertainment, providing razor-sharp satire on a society rapidly increasing its speed into the chasm of death. I got that, but I got so much more.The book does an excellent job of providing a realistic look at the language the few schmucks in power have forced upon us. Of course I laugh at everything, because it all seems so stupid. But, after finishing the book and going back out into the real world, I was shocked at exactly how true the book really was. What has happened to this country? Have we become so paranoid about the remote possiblity of offending someone that we've really created a euphemism for the word dead? I mean, how many dead people are going to be offened if we call them dead? Answer: None.This book helped me realize exactly how pointless the whole process of political correctness is. When are these people going to realize that changing the word does not change the condition? It's not only pointless, but it's hurting this country. All these people are doing is sheilding people from reality. Political correctness is a stupid idea which needs to be eliminated (I'm sorry, neutralized).Good book, bad idea.

Entertaining? hardly!

Far from being entertaining this book is scary stuff! Words whose meaning has been redefined, new incomprehensible words, ambiguous combinations of words, all in the apparent belief that we shouldn't upset anyone at anytime has a deadly seriousness about it! It reminds me of the Wolf Biermann song "Das Hoelderlin Lied", the first three lines of lines of which translate as: "in this country we live like strangers in our own house / our own language which we encounter we no longer understand / yet they who speak our language understand us"The authors should be congratulated for producing this book and I think it should be made compulsory reading for all!

Entertaining and Useful Book to Own

As we enter the 21st century, it has become very imprtant to improve our language skills for everyday use. Due to the reality of frivilous lawsuits or the development of customer relations skills in today's global economy, it has become very important to acquire advanced communication skills that don't refer to a person's age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or any other human characteristic in a demeaning manner.This is where "The Officially Politically Correct Dictionary & Handbook," comes into hand. Originally written as a humor book, this book is actually quite resourceful in anyday situations involving individuals who are different, irritating, or sensitive to what one might say. While working in retail, and later in marketing, I have found that this book allowed me to use proper terms that wouldn't offend anyone. While many of my coworkers and clients laughed at times, this book will come in handy for many service employees. Flight Attendants, Retail Workers, Human Resources Employees, etc..., this book has almost every correct word to say in today's complexed world of jargon.Whether dealing with a "difficult woman," (primadonna), a "horizontally-challenged" person (fat), or a "Domestic Incarceration Survivor," (housewife) this humorous, yet helpful book will provide the reader with beneficial words and phrases to add anyone's vocabulary. Truly, this is a must have book in today's marketplace!

Guide to the US mind for strangers ?

I bought the book on a holiday to the US. Read it. Shook my head. Talked about it with friends in the US. So - that's PC ? This book helped me to understand - and laugh about - the concept of politically correct talking by the reality-challenged folks who obviously USE such terms... Recommended !