Bowdlerizing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bowdlerizing
[หbaสdlษraษชzษชล ]
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.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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 childrenโs and their own sensibilities.
- There is ongoing research into how bowdlerization affects reception and understanding of literature over generations.
Origin of 'bowdlerizing'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'bowdlerize' derives from the name of Thomas Bowdler, an English physician and editor who lived from 1754 to 1825. He is best known for his work on 'The Family Shakespeare', where he removed or altered passages in William Shakespeare's plays that he deemed unsuitable for women and children. The word was first used in the early 19th century and quickly gained traction as a way to describe the act of censoring or modifying texts to make them more acceptable to a broader audience. Bowdler's efforts were often criticized for stripping works of their original meaning and richness, leading to ongoing debates about censorship in literature and the arts. The practice of bowdlerizing texts continues in various forms today, particularly in adaptations for younger audiences.
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.