Expletive: meaning, definitions and examples

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expletive

[ˈɛksplətɪv ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

swear word

An expletive is a swear word or an expression of strong emotion or frustration. It is often used to add emphasis to a statement or to vent frustration.

Synonyms

curse word, profanity, swear word.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
expletive	Use this when referring to a word or phrase that is offensive or used to express strong emotion. It is a formal term often found in written contexts. The director’s cut of the movie contains several expletives that were removed from the theatrical release. During his speech, he accidentally let out an expletive when he lost his train of thought.
curse word	This term is used in everyday informal conversations when someone wants to refer to offensive or taboo words. She was so angry that she used a curse word in front of everyone. We were taught in school not to use curse words.
swear word	A common term used in casual conversations to refer to words that are offensive or considered impolite. He muttered a swear word under his breath when he stubbed his toe. Parents often try to keep their children from using swear words.
profanity	This word is used to describe language that shows disrespect for something sacred or taboo, often used in formal or semi-formal contexts. It has a negative connotation. The football coach was fined for using profanity during the game. His use of profanity shocked everyone at the meeting.

Examples of usage

She let out an expletive when she dropped her phone.
He muttered expletives under his breath as he struggled with the stubborn jar.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'expletive' comes from the Latin 'expletivus,' which means 'filling out' or 'completing.'
Originally, it referred to words added to complete sentences but has evolved to refer specifically to swearing.
In the 16th century, it was used in English to denote a word that serves no grammatical function but enriches expression.

Linguistics

Expletives are often used to convey strong emotions, providing a linguistic outlet for frustration or surprise.
They can be a part of colloquial language, reflecting the cultural norms surrounding emotion and expression.
In some languages, expletives are more socially acceptable than in others, influencing how speakers use them in everyday conversations.

Cultural Significance

In film and literature, characters often use expletives to convey intensity, indicating their emotional state quickly.
The use of strong language across different cultures can signify various social dynamics, including rebellion or camaraderie.
In many societies, swearing is often a taboo, but some subcultures embrace it as a form of expression, showing solidarity.

Psychology

Research shows that using expletives can reduce pain and increase tolerance during stressful situations.
Swearing can act as a form of stress relief, offering a way to release pent-up emotions.
The act of swearing activates the brain's pain relief centers, showing a surprising physiological impact of strong language.

Pop Culture

Famous films and TV shows often feature characters who use expletives, becoming a signature of their bold personalities.
Stand-up comedians frequently incorporate strong language to deliver punchlines and evoke laughter from audiences.
Music genres like punk rock and hip-hop famously use expletives to express rebellious themes and raw emotions.

Translations

Translations of the word "expletive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 expletivo

🇮🇳 शपथ

🇩🇪 Fluchwort

🇮🇩 kata makian

🇺🇦 лайка

🇵🇱 przekleństwo

🇯🇵 罵り言葉

🇫🇷 juron

🇪🇸 expletivo

🇹🇷 küfür

🇰🇷 욕설

🇸🇦 شتيمة

🇨🇿 nadávka

🇸🇰 nadávka

🇨🇳 咒骂

🇸🇮 kletvica

🇮🇸 blótsyrði

🇰🇿 қарғыс сөз

🇬🇪 შევიწროება

🇦🇿 söyüş

🇲🇽 expletivo

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,961, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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...