Sweet Talk: The Language of Love

In a saucy, playful style Ferraro takes readers on an etymological grand tour of the language of romance through the ages, and doesn't scrimp on sexual and ``dirty'' words. Terms only vaguely related to love-such as those covering the world's oldest profession-are here too. Chapters are divided by type of ``love talk''; for example, ``baby'' talk (the language of new lovers and new mothers is uncannily similar), ``hot'' (sexy) talk, ``love bites'' (the link between food and love), animal urges, and love and ``pet'' names. There is also a chapter on ``Ninety-Four Ways to Leave Your Lover,'' and memorable love (including Dear John) letters of the famous, infamous and obscure. A perfect Valentine's Day gift for language aficionados as well as lovers. (Feb.)