bowdler

Thân thiện

A bowdler carefully removes unsuitable passages from a classic text.

Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A person's surname: "Bowdler" refers specifically to Thomas Bowdler, an English editor known for publishing censored versions of literary works.
   • A historical figure associated with censorship: The name is synonymous with the act of removing material considered offensive or improper from texts.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Thomas Bowdler gave his name to the term "bowdlerize." (The editor's action led to the creation of a new verb.)
  • The edition was prepared by Bowdler. (It identifies the editor responsible for the censored version.)

Advanced Usage

• The name "Bowdler" is primarily used historically or in literary criticism to discuss censorship. The derived verb "bowdlerize" is far more common in modern usage.
  • Discussing Victorian sensibilities often involves mentioning Bowdler.
  • The critic accused the modern adaptation of performing a Bowdler on the original script. (Here, "Bowdler" is used metaphorically as a noun for the act of censorship.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bowdlerize (verb): To remove or alter parts of a text considered vulgar or objectionable.
  • They bowdlerized the classic novel for the school edition.
• Bowdlerization (noun): The act or result of bowdlerizing.
  • The bowdlerization of the film made it suitable for all audiences.

Synonyms

• Censor: To examine and suppress unacceptable parts.
• Expurgator: One who removes objectionable content.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• While there are no common phrasal verbs, the name is the root of the fixed phrase "to bowdlerize a text."
  • The publisher decided to bowdlerize the memoir to avoid controversy.

Học thuật

Noun

1. English editor who in 1818 published an expurgated edition of the works of Shakespeare (1754-1825)

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Bowdler
• Thomas Bowdler