The particular strengths of the book for language scholars lie in its discussions of and original contributions to taboo language theory.

Language in Society

Thought-provoking for students of linguistics and anyone interested in language in general.

LINGUIST List

The topic/remit of offensive language, as addressed in this book, is ambitious and broad-ranging. ... this text will provide a significant reference point for understanding, conceptualising and interrogating these issues, for linguists and non-linguists alike.

Journal of Pragmatics

O'Driscoll both synthesizes and opens up the multi-disciplinary topic of offensive language. Thought-provoking and deep yet written in an engaging style, this is a book you will remember long after you have finished reading it.

Jonathan Culpeper, Professor of English Language and Linguistics, Lancaster University, UK

In this timely volume, Jim O'Driscoll offers us a lucidly written, fascinating and thought-provoking trip into the various shades of offensive language. Based on theoretical depth and the analysis of riveting empirical data, the book is must-read for all those interested in impoliteness and its central concept of offence.

Maria Sifianou, Professor Emerita, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

It is only human to sometimes take offence in our interactions with others. But in recent years the causing and taking of offence has become an increasing fixture of public life. In this volume, Jim O'Driscoll undertakes the first extended study of offence and provides a systematic basis for distinguishing between potential and actual offence. It is a must read for anyone interested in the role language plays in both interpersonal and public life.

Michael Haugh, Professor of Linguistics, The University of Queensland, Australia