Subterranean English

Authors

Dmitri A. Borgmann

Abstract

Unbeknownst to most of its users, the English language has always existed on two levels: (1) the surface level, with words and names possessing those meanings graciously conferred upon them by dictionaries, and (2) a subterranean level where words and names are used with their real meanings. This article presents a short glossary of English on the subterranean level: 56 undergrounders, as the terms are familiarly called. Readers are invited to add to this collection of real word meanings.

Recommended Citation

Borgmann, Dmitri A. (1986) "Subterranean English," Word Ways: Vol. 19 : Iss. 1 , Article 8.
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/wordways/vol19/iss1/8