'Romps, Tots and Boffins' is a collection of journalese - the words and phrases that only ever appear in the Great British press or have particular meanings in the print media. The pages of this book are full of phrases so familiar to anyone who has read a UK newspaper that their idiosyncrasy has almost become invisible. But this isn't a serious academic study. Examples such as fat cat, funnyman, love rat, fashionistas, U-turn, flagship, barrage of criticism, Champagne lifestyle and more are each accompanied by a tongue-in-cheek definition, many of which are very funny indeed.
This book is a fascinating peek behind the veil of ink and paper into the newsroom itself. I've had a suspicion for a while that there was almost a code to using these words and phrases, but it was still a surprise to find out that there sort of is! It is an intriguing must-read for anyone training to be a journalist or with an interest in language or the media.
But before you rush out to buy a copy, I have to say that unfortunately, I do think 'Romps, Tots and Boffins' is overpriced and risks limiting its audience as a result, which is a real shame. Bearing in mind that 'Weird Things Customers say in Bookshops' cost me £7.99 and was a lot more varied, I don't think this book is worth its RRP of £9.99. But then again, it may be much cheaper when it comes out in paperback.
Overall, I think there is a readership which would really enjoy this book, but I think the initial price will put them off. Hopefully it will be much cheaper in paperback and will find its way into a lot of stockings for Christmas 2014.
Now back to 'The Pagan Lord'!
But before you rush out to buy a copy, I have to say that unfortunately, I do think 'Romps, Tots and Boffins' is overpriced and risks limiting its audience as a result, which is a real shame. Bearing in mind that 'Weird Things Customers say in Bookshops' cost me £7.99 and was a lot more varied, I don't think this book is worth its RRP of £9.99. But then again, it may be much cheaper when it comes out in paperback.
Overall, I think there is a readership which would really enjoy this book, but I think the initial price will put them off. Hopefully it will be much cheaper in paperback and will find its way into a lot of stockings for Christmas 2014.
Now back to 'The Pagan Lord'!
