Vulgar Tongues: An Alternative History of English Slang

Vulgar Tongues: An Alternative History of English Slang by Max Décharné

Slang is the language of pop culture, low culture, street culture, underground movements and secret societies; depending on your point of view, it is a badge of honour, a sign of identity or a dangerous assault on the values of polite society.

Over several centuries and across international borders, VULGAR TONGUES is the story of how the English language of Shakespeare's day fragmented and twisted into all kinds of shapes, as people like pickpockets, beggars, sailors, musicians, gangsters, whores, politicians, gypsies, soldiers, gays and lesbians, policemen, rappers, cockneys, biker gangs and circus folk seized the King's or Queen's English by the throat and took it to places it would probably regret in the morning.

Vulgar Tongues: An Alternative History of English Slang - About the Author

Max Décharné was born in England, and can still speak English when his business demands it. 

During the past fifteen years he has flung various books and records at the public, and travelled to a variety of countries - firstly as a member of Gallon Drunk, then since 1995 as the singer with The Flaming Stars - spreading peace, goodwill and partial deafness among the youth of the world. He divides his drinking time between London and Berlin.