Bowdlerized: meaning, definitions and examples
📝
bowdlerized
[ˈbaʊdləraɪzd ]
Definition
censorship term
To bowdlerize something means to remove or alter parts of a text that are considered vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate, often to make it more suitable for a general audience. The term originated from the actions of Thomas Bowdler, who published an expurgated edition of Shakespeare's works in the early 19th century. His name has since become synonymous with the practice of censorship or the alteration of literary works. This practice can affect literature, film, and other forms of media, leading to debates about artistic integrity versus societal norms.
Synonyms
censor, edit, expurgate, sanitize, soften.
Examples of usage
- The film was bowdlerized for its television debut.
- Many classic novels have been bowdlerized for young readers.
- The editor decided to bowdlerize the book before its publication.
- His bowdlerized version of the poem lacked the original's depth.
- They felt the bowdlerized content was too sanitized.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from Thomas Bowdler, who published a version of Shakespeare’s works in the early 19th century, claiming to make them suitable for women and children.
- Bowdler believed that some content was too harsh or indecent, leading to his famous saying that he was 'removing the offensive parts.'
- The act of editing works to make them more acceptable has roots going back centuries, but Bowdler popularized the term in English.
Literature
- Some famous literary works have been bowdlerized, including the classics of Mark Twain, removing racial slurs for modern audiences.
- In the 20th century, many children's editions of popular fairy tales were edited to remove violence or adult themes.
- Though aimed at making literature more accessible to young readers, such alterations can sometimes alter the original message or theme.
Censorship
- Bowdlerization is often associated with censorship, where content is removed for moral, political, or cultural reasons.
- Many argue that bowdlerizing can deny important historical or social contexts and perspectives in literature.
- Debates continue about the balance between protecting young readers and preserving authentic literature and its complexities.
Pop Culture
- In modern media, shows and films may also be bowdlerized for television to comply with ratings and make content more family-friendly.
- The tendency to edit works for broader audiences has sparked trends like ‘clean versions’ of popular songs, removing explicit lyrics.
- Critics often use the term ‘bowdlerized’ to describe adaptations that strip away key elements of books in their movie counterparts.
Psychology
- The process of bowdlerization reflects societal values and beliefs about what is acceptable to share, indicating a collective psychology on morality.
- It raises questions about the impact of censorship on cultural literacy and understanding of complex themes in literature.
- Research shows that exposure to diverse narratives, even those with challenging content, contributes to empathy and critical thinking.
Translations
Translations of the word "bowdlerized" in other languages:
🇵🇹 censurado
🇮🇳 संशोधित
🇩🇪 zensiert
🇮🇩 disensor
🇺🇦 цензурований
🇵🇱 cenzurowany
🇯🇵 検閲された
🇫🇷 censuré
🇪🇸 censurado
🇹🇷 sansürlenmiş
🇰🇷 검열된
🇸🇦 مراقب
🇨🇿 cenzurovaný
🇸🇰 cenzurovaný
🇨🇳 审查过的
🇸🇮 cenzuriran
🇮🇸 sneiddur
🇰🇿 сензураланған
🇬🇪 ცენზურირებული
🇦🇿 sensura olunmuş
🇲🇽 censurado