Argot and slang

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

50354

Title

Argot and slang

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Argot and Slang serves as a comprehensive guide to the cant words, slang terms, and flash phrases of old and new Paris. Compiled by Albert Barrère, this volume captures the vibrant linguistic landscape of the high and low life, offering readers a unique window into the secret languages of thieves, prostitutes, artists, and the working class. With its rich collection of definitions, songs, and dialogues, it preserves the colorful vocabulary of 17th to 19th-century French subcultures.

Summary up to 500 words

Albert Barrère's *Argot and Slang* serves as a comprehensive historical record of the specialized vocabularies spoken by various Parisian subcultures from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Organized chronologically and thematically, the work traces the evolution of language within closed communities, beginning with 17th-century dialogues between beggars and thieves. It progresses through 18th-century theatrical songs, such as those from *Le Vice Puni*, and extends into the 19th century to capture the slang of prisoners, journalists, students, and bullies. Barrère provides detailed definitions for thousands of terms, often accompanied by etymological notes that explain linguistic distortions, such as adding an 'L' to disguise words, or derivations from languages like Breton. The text is richly contextualized through excerpts from literature, including poems by Richepin and Zola, and songs by Vidocq and William Maginn. The book covers a diverse array of subjects, including prison life, the theater, the opera, the police, and the underworld. Specific attention is given to professions like printers and Freemasons, as well as social groups such as the 'cocottes' (prostitutes) and 'loups' (creditors). Throughout, Barrère illustrates how language evolves to maintain secrecy and identity within these groups. He grounds the slang in social reality with anecdotes about famous figures like Vidocq and references to historical events. Serving as both a reference tool for understanding historical texts and a cultural artifact preserving the voices of the marginalized, the volume concludes with a thorough alphabetical index, ensuring accessibility for researchers and enthusiasts of French linguistic history.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-07-07 23:03 UTC

Categories

• Dictionaries
• French language