On Cussing

Katherine Dunn

In On Cussing, Dunn sketches a brief history of swear words and creates something of a field guide to their types and usages, from the common threat ("I'll squash you like a shithouse mouse") to the portmanteau intensifier ("Fan-fucking-tastic"). But she also explores their physiology--the physical impact on the reader or listener--and makes an argument for how and when to cuss with maximum effect. Equal parts informative and hilarious, this volume--drawn from a lecture given to the Pacific University MFA in Writing program--is a must-have for anyone looking to more successfully wield their expletives, be it in writing or in everyday speech.