A Dictionary of Euphemisms
I learned of this book serendipitously, because Anthony Burgess reviewed it approvingly in a collection of his essays that I'm reading.
Conveniently, you can read it at the Internet Archive, where you can have much fun pondering such entries as this one.
Comments
Growing up on long Island in the 70s and 80s I only heard 'Muff' used in that sense and thought it was a reference to the tubular handwarmer. I suppose it was a shortening of 'muffin'. We had the full 'muffin' in the term 'muffin top'- wearing your jeans so tight that your midriff spills over the top resembling a muffin.
Posted by S. Norman on 05/02/25 at 08:45 AM
Excellent book. One of only two reference books I've ever read cover to cover (coincidentally, the other was Bozzimacoo: Origins & Meanings of Oaths & Swear Words).
Posted by RobW on 05/03/25 at 02:15 AM
@S. Norman: I suspect you were right the first time. It's English slang as well, and English muffins look nothing like a hand warmer.
Posted by Richard Bos on 05/04/25 at 06:09 AM
The all-time best extended riff on "muffins" -- featuring Betty White at age 88. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_tVJ2rHHSA
Posted by FRANK HARRIS on 05/07/25 at 12:58 PM
Category: Sexuality | Books | 1980s | Euphemisms, Cant, Weasel Words, Prissy Phrases and Orwellian Language