What constitutes a swear word?

[ezapf]

Why is it that you should not say certain words, but you can say other words with the same meaning?

[jno]

partly a matter of overtones, or of context. I may use a certain word to describe the female genitalia, and it might be largely inoffensive. But if I used the same word to describe you, it would be offensive - the comparison of a person to a body part is belittling; and anyway, women don't like their body parts used as terms of abuse.

Similarly, Spike Lee may use the N word to describe black people and get away with it because he's black himself; a white person who uses the same term will be reviled.

The reason, I think, is that there's more to words than their dictionary definitions. Your intent (abusive? friendly?), your audience, even your tone of voice can make a difference.

[andy hughes]

It is a matter of cultural differences, together, as jno says, of time, place, company, tone, and so on.

Blacks have re-tken ownership of the word n1gger when used among thsmevles, as a term of affection and brotherhood, but if used by a white person - even if intended to imply the same bonding and affection - it will not be appreciated!

Swear words, like all language, eveolve as times change - what was offensive even ten years ago, can be deemed, if not accepted, then at least tolerated today. 

[Xollob]

Times change, indeed. Compare and contrast what happened to Agatha Christie's Ten Little N-words with the range of B, C, and F-words you see and hear in mainstream media today. I particularly liked the Guardians recent front page article on Harold Pinter, who was, by all accounts, chuffed to his B-words. A headline like this would have been unthinkable when Christie wrote her book, yet today even harmless and completely non-racist terms such as nıggardly or nitty-gritty are subject to censorship.

[vehelpfulguy]

As you say many swear words have another meaning.

For example "Prick his finger" is acceptable but the P word used in another connotation it is not.

I remember a few years ago an American comedian who was fed up with all the censorship on US TV did a comedy routine where he used as many swear words as he could, but in their "safe" context rather than their swear word context, such as prick.

The TV station were not too pleased.

[vehelpfulguy]

And of course when the Sex Pitols brought out their album "Never mind the B*llo*ks they were taken to court to try to get it banned.

A highly paid lawyer defended them and pointed out it was perfectly vaild word in the middle ages to mean nonsense. Read about it here

http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Never_Mind_the_********%2C_Here%27s_the_Sex_Pistols

[Octavius]

Swearing (not the court type) is generally synonymous with using any profane language which its audience considers to be offensive.  For example, c0ck is commonly used to describe a male chicken, and is nonoffensive, and as a verb ("she cocked her head to the side" or any plumbing references) it is nonoffensive. Dick, as a nickname derived from "Richard", never raises objection. In these cases, the alternate meanings have no connection to the profanity with, coincidentally, the same name.

[bernardo]

Oh penguin!
Oh spoon!
Oh harpsichord!
Oh purple penguin poodle-poo!

[Octavius]

oh, you said poo.

I'm telling.

[Grunty]

veryhelpfulguy - that was why he was highly paid - because he was able to convince the court.  Using the same logic, many mediaeval towns have a sh*tbrook.  It was exactly what it says.  Now, the word is used by historians, who would not dream of using it in other company.

[jno]

Indeed Grunty, we're a long way from medieval days, and words change all the time. Anyone who can persuade a judge that a word has the same meaning it had 500 years ago is earning his pay! The first known use of the C word was a London street called Grope**** Lane. Presumably it was a lot more widely used then; but just try asking a London bobby the way to get there now...

[Octavius]

Indeed, Gropec+telane as London Street dates back to about 1230.  The use of the word as an offence didn't transpire until the early 20th Century.

"'That thou tellest,' quod Truthe, 'is but a tale of waltrot!'"

Also.....

"'I wish I had your ****s in my hand
In place of relics or of saints' holy things.
Come, cut them off; I'll help you carry them;
They shall be enshrined in a hog's ****!'
     This Pardoner answered not a word;
So enraged was he, no word would he say..."

 -- Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales: "The Pardoner's Tale"
 

[vehelpfulguy]

I have just bought a very funny book called "Rude Britain" and it lists the 100 places (and roads or areas) in England with the rudest names, and their history.

There is "Three *****", "Sandy Balls", "*****", "Back Passage", "Beaver Close", "Willey", and "Minge Lane".    

Very funny and would make a great Christmas Present

[jno]

do it online at this site

[ezapf]

Excellent work as usual. Thanks, everyone.
A thousand stars and chocolate cake all around.

[schmeeges]

...and we even have children saying things like '******* mushrooms' (see Spy Kids 1 or 2, well, don't bother really, just believe me) on the big screen! ...and with a noticeable pause before the 'ake'. (pr. 'aki').

[schmeeges]

Wow! this things's good - could make recipe swapping hard though...let me try sh#take mushrooms...