Rating: 
Summary: Laughs on every page -- Highly recommended!
Review: As Stephen King himself has said, this is a "Great F*cking Book!" I've bought copies for at least a dozen friends; it brings a whole new meaning to terms like "vertical smile" and "whisker biscuit." And the "Final F*cking Exam" -- a test of your swearing skills -- is absolutely hysterical. Don't miss it!
Rating:
Summary: Laugh your a** off.
Review: Be prepared to laugh and ride the humorous wave with Sterling Johnson. In the 1970's, George Carlin cited seven words that would never appear on TV, but time and theatrical productions have changed their acceptability. Unfortunately, I cannot list them in this review because they would not be suitable, but they are listed on page 8 of this book. Cable TV followed the lead when they began showing these R+ rated movies. Language that was not conventional when Carlin clarified what the "bad" words were is now common in conversations. His and Hers, Hands on experience, Tips and Traps are just a few of the sections that provide alternate words for different body parts and actions. Throughout the book, Johnson gives examples through dialogue. The goal is to help the newcomer with a way to understand what f*ck and other derivatives mean, and which ones are fighting words. Writers will find this book is a clear definition of how to write true to life dialogue for today's market. I was expecting a different outlook than definitions of "bad" words, so I was somewhat disappointed. However, this is a valuable resource that is well written and funny. Victoria Tarrani
Rating:
Summary: Laugh your a** off.
Review: Be prepared to laugh and ride the humorous wave with Sterling Johnson. In the 1970's, George Carlin cited seven words that would never appear on TV, but time and theatrical productions have changed their acceptability. Unfortunately, I cannot list them in this review because they would not be suitable, but they are listed on page 8 of this book. Cable TV followed the lead when they began showing these R+ rated movies. Language that was not conventional when Carlin clarified what the "bad" words were is now common in conversations. His and Hers, Hands on experience, Tips and Traps are just a few of the sections that provide alternate words for different body parts and actions. Throughout the book, Johnson gives examples through dialogue. The goal is to help the newcomer with a way to understand what f*ck and other derivatives mean, and which ones are fighting words. Writers will find this book is a clear definition of how to write true to life dialogue for today's market. I was expecting a different outlook than definitions of "bad" words, so I was somewhat disappointed. However, this is a valuable resource that is well written and funny. Victoria Tarrani
Rating: 
Summary: A mediocre book.
Review: Cussers will learn nothing new in this book...except the correct grammer in which to use those words we all know and love to hate. I was disappointed with this book...but I must say the test at the end of the book is fun.
Rating:
Summary: A mediocre book.
Review: Cussers will learn nothing new in this book...except the correct grammer in which to use those words we all know and love to hate. I was disappointed with this book...but I must say the test at the end of the book is fun.
Rating:
Summary: CMu professor?
Review: Does anyone know if this is the same Sterling Johnson who is a political science prof. at CEntral Michigan University? I sure hope so! Let me know...
Rating:
Summary: not for ESL
Review: I bought this book to help some of my ESL students to understand how/when to use American swear words.....however, it is definitely not a good reference in that sense. Although it IS funny, it is more of a narrative and not a resource.
Rating:
Summary: Well-researched, Interesting and Hilarious
Review: I definately recommend this comprehensive little book for people interested in real-life obscenities. It has in-depth historical and etymological info' they would never imaginge and is presented in tasteful style with wonderful examples. As the title suggests, this book is excellent for foreigners. But native speakers of English love it too.
Rating:
Summary: One of the f*cking f*nniest b**ks I h*ve ever r**d!
Review: I first stumbled across Sterling Johnson's "English as a Second F*cking Language" summer of 2001 in a second-hand bookstore in Monterey, California. As I casually skimmed its pages, my giggles began drawing annoyed glances and assorted 'harumphs' from the other patrons, so I quickly picked up five or six copies and headed toward the cashier. To those of you fearful of lacking humorous anatomical components (aka "funny bones"), I say "Balderdash!", not to mention "Oh, c'mon!" Anyone who doesn't see the inherent silliness of assigning so much emotional baggage to f*cking WORDS for G*d's s*ke just n**ds to g*t out a b*t more. As an English teacher by trade, it's possible I suppose that I am predisposed to see the humor in it, having struggled mightily and often to explain the nuances of myriad words self-contentedly tucked away within our mother-tongue's gargantuan lexicon. But you don't have to be a TESOL-er to appreciate Johnson's sterling tongue-in-cheek mockery of academic pretense; it seeps and oozes from between every line. "English as a Second F*cking Language" is the ideal birthday, Ramadan, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, (etc.) gift for any of your favorite speakers of English as a Second Language. Please contact me if you are still undecided about the wisdom of such a purchase. I can assure you that I have no business or personal relationship with the author, although admittedly, I should very much like to chat with this Johnson fellow, if that is indeed his [her?] real name.
Rating:
Summary: One of the f*cking f*nniest b**ks I h*ve ever r**d!
Review: I first stumbled across Sterling Johnson's "English as a Second F*cking Language" summer of 2001 in a second-hand bookstore in Monterey, California. As I casually skimmed its pages, my giggles began drawing annoyed glances and assorted 'harumphs' from the other patrons, so I quickly picked up five or six copies and headed toward the cashier. To those of you fearful of lacking humorous anatomical components (aka "funny bones"), I say "Balderdash!", not to mention "Oh, c'mon!" Anyone who doesn't see the inherent silliness of assigning so much emotional baggage to f*cking WORDS for G*d's s*ke just n**ds to g*t out a b*t more. As an English teacher by trade, it's possible I suppose that I am predisposed to see the humor in it, having struggled mightily and often to explain the nuances of myriad words self-contentedly tucked away within our mother-tongue's gargantuan lexicon. But you don't have to be a TESOL-er to appreciate Johnson's sterling tongue-in-cheek mockery of academic pretense; it seeps and oozes from between every line. "English as a Second F*cking Language" is the ideal birthday, Ramadan, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, (etc.) gift for any of your favorite speakers of English as a Second Language. Please contact me if you are still undecided about the wisdom of such a purchase. I can assure you that I have no business or personal relationship with the author, although admittedly, I should very much like to chat with this Johnson fellow, if that is indeed his [her?] real name.
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