Bowdlerizing: meaning, definitions and examples
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bowdlerizing
[ˈbaʊdləraɪzɪŋ ]
Definition
censorship action
To bowdlerize means to remove or alter parts of a text that are considered offensive or inappropriate, often in an effort to make the material more suitable for a particular audience. This term originated from the actions of Thomas Bowdler, who published an expurgated version of Shakespeare's works.
Synonyms
censor, edit, expurgate, remove, sanitize.
Examples of usage
- The editor decided to bowdlerize the novel before its publication.
- Many classic stories have been bowdlerized for children's literature.
- The film was bowdlerized to avoid controversy.
- Critics argue that bowdlerizing literature undermines the original author's intent.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from Thomas Bowdler, who published a censored edition of Shakespeare's works in the early 19th century.
- The practice of altering literature to make it more acceptable dates back to ancient times, but it became popularized with Bowdler's name.
- Bowdler's approach was rooted in the belief that some content was too vulgar or inappropriate for families, especially for women and children.
Censorship
- Censorship in literature often raises debates on artistic freedom versus moral responsibility.
- Various governments and institutions have a history of bowdlerizing texts to align with cultural or political values.
- Modern examples include adaptations of classic texts for age-appropriate audiences, showing a trend toward making literature accessible.
Literature
- Many classic works have adapted over time, leading to different versions aimed at school-age readers.
- Bowdlerizing can affect the richness and complexity of a story, trading nuanced characters for simpler portrayals.
- Notable authors, such as Mark Twain, faced bowdlerization, leading to debates about the original author's intent versus modern standards.
Media & Pop Culture
- Films and television shows often have 'family-friendly' versions, illustrating bowdlerization for audiences of all ages.
- In recent years, streaming platforms have been criticized for altering figures of speech or scenes to avoid offending viewers.
- Adaptations of iconic characters or stories can dilute the original message or themes, generating mixed reactions from fans.
Psychology
- The desire to bowdlerize can mirror societal values, reflecting fears over exposure to certain ideas.
- Studies suggest that individuals may prefer more sanitized versions of content to protect children’s and their own sensibilities.
- There is ongoing research into how bowdlerization affects reception and understanding of literature over generations.
Translations
Translations of the word "bowdlerizing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 censurar
🇮🇳 संसाधित करना
🇩🇪 zensieren
🇮🇩 menyensor
🇺🇦 цензурувати
🇵🇱 cenzurować
🇯🇵 検閲する
🇫🇷 censurer
🇪🇸 censurar
🇹🇷 sansürlemek
🇰🇷 검열하다
🇸🇦 رقابة
🇨🇿 cenzurovat
🇸🇰 cenzurovať
🇨🇳 审查
🇸🇮 cenzurirati
🇮🇸 ritsko
🇰🇿 сензуралау
🇬🇪 ცენზურა
🇦🇿 sensura
🇲🇽 censurar
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,873, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.