Dangerous Crooked Scoundrels

Dangerous Crooked Scoundrels is a history of the United States in presidential insults. Beginning with George Washington ("old Muttonhead"), John Adams ("His Rotundity"), and Thomas Jefferson ("a brandy-soaked defamer of churches") and continuing up to the present day, readers learn about the challenges faced by each president, the insults directed at them, and how they responded. Along with the historical context, there is plenty for language lovers about the "facetious pettifoggers," "prize honeyfugglers," and "byzantine logothetes" who have led the United States.
With over 500 examples covering the span of U.S. history, linguist Edwin Battistella explains what insults are all about and what makes an effective political insult. In the process, he treats readers to some of the best political invective ever.

Edwin L. Battistella teaches linguistics and writing at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, where he has served as a dean and as interim provost. His books include Bad Language: Are Some Words Better than Others? and Sorry About That: The Language of Public Apology. He writes a monthly column, "Between the Lines with Edwin Battistella," for the Oxford University Press blog.