Melissa Mohr

Melissa Mohr, an erudite scholar with a penchant for the rich tapestry of language, has carved a niche for herself as a distinguished historian of linguistics. A native of Somerville, Massachusetts, her academic journey culminated in a PhD from Stanford University, where she delved into the intricate realms of Medieval and Renaissance English Literature. This profound scholarly background informs her work, allowing her to traverse the complex interplay between language and culture with both wit and intellectual rigor. Her magnum opus, "Holy Sh*t: A Brief History of Swearing," published by Oxford University Press in 2013, has garnered widespread acclaim and captivated audiences worldwide. With translations in Turkish and Korean, this engaging exploration of profanity's evolution has graced The Guardian UK’s bestseller list. Critics have lauded the book's incisive analysis and humor; The Sunday Times hailed it as “wonderfully witty,” while The Wall Street Journal deemed it “intelligent and enjoyable.” The Washington Post extolled it as “one of the most absorbing and entertaining books on language” they had encountered, underscoring Mohr's talent for making the arcane accessible and delightful. Mohr's contributions extend beyond her written works. A frequent contributor to esteemed publications such as The Guardian, The Sunday Times, and The Wall Street Journal, she has also shared her insights through interviews on NPR’s Morning Edition and appearances on ABC, BBC, and CBC. Her lectures in the United States and Britain further cement her status as a leading voice in the study of language and its cultural implications. Through her scholarly yet approachable prose, Mohr continues to enrich our understanding of the vibrant and ever-evolving world of words.