This volume investigates the evolution and usage of non-standard English vocabulary across several centuries of historical development. Eric Partridge, a renowned lexicographer, compiles an extensive record of colloquialisms, cant, and slang terms to provide a comprehensive linguistic resource. The work utilizes a chronological and thematic framework to document how language shifts within various social strata and historical contexts.

Experts and linguists frequently cite this dictionary as a foundational reference for understanding the development of English vernacular. Readers often note the academic density of the entries, which provide significant depth for researchers and historians alike.