Obscenity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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obscenity
[ษbหsiหnษชti ]
Definitions
inappropriate language
Obscenity refers to language or behavior that is offensive, vulgar, or inappropriate for a particular audience. It often involves explicit sexual content or profanity.
Synonyms
indecency, profanity, vulgarity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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obscenity |
Use in situations involving extremely offensive language or behavior, typically of a sexual or disgusting nature.
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indecency |
Appropriate for describing actions or language that are not in line with societal standards of modesty or morals, often related to sexual matters.
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vulgarity |
Best used when describing coarse or rude language or behavior that lacks sophistication, often socially or culturally inappropriate.
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profanity |
Suitable for referring to language that includes swear words or other offensive terms, often used casually but can be deemed disrespectful.
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Examples of usage
- His speech was filled with obscenities that shocked the audience.
- The use of obscenities in the workplace is not tolerated.
- She was offended by the obscenity in the movie.
obscene act
Obscenity can also refer to an obscene act or gesture that is lewd or offensive.
Synonyms
indecency, lewdness, offensive gesture.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
obscenity |
Obscenity, as mentioned earlier, applies to extremely offensive content, in particular with a sexual nature, typically in formal or legal contexts.
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lewdness |
Lewdness indicates a vulgar, crude, or offensive sexual manner. This term is often used to describe unwanted sexual advances or behavior.
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indecency |
Indecency refers to behavior or material that is not appropriate or acceptable, especially in a sexual sense. This word is often used in legal terms and by authorities.
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offensive gesture |
An offensive gesture generally refers to any physical motion or signal that is meant to insult or offend someone. This can be in sexual or non-sexual contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He was arrested for committing acts of obscenity in public.
- The comedian's performance was criticized for its obscenities.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Aspects
- In many countries, obscenity laws vary widely, reflecting different cultural norms about what is acceptable.
- The U.S. Supreme Court has established tests for obscenity, famously articulated in the Miller Test, which assesses community standards.
Pop Culture
- Certain songs, movies, and books have faced censorship due to their use of obscene language or themes.
- The rise of the internet has led to debates about what constitutes obscenity and the impact of explicit content on society.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that exposure to obscenity can influence social norms and attitudes toward sexuality and violence.
- Reactions to obscene content can vary significantly between individuals based on personal beliefs and cultural background.
Literature
- Many classic works of literature, like 'Tropic of Cancer' by Henry Miller, challenged obscenity laws upon publication.
- Obscenity often appears in literature to portray the raw aspects of human experience and societal issues.
Origin of 'obscenity'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'obscenus', which means 'offensive' or 'obscene'.
- It was first used in English in the late 14th century to describe something filthy or lewd.
The word 'obscenity' originated from the Latin word 'obscenus', which meant 'ill-omened' or 'abominable'. Over time, it evolved to refer to things that are offensive or indecent. The concept of obscenity has been a topic of debate throughout history, with varying standards of what is considered obscene in different cultures and time periods.
See also: obscenely.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #18,286, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 18283 innervation
- 18284 reposed
- 18285 conditionally
- 18286 obscenity
- 18287 comics
- 18288 positional
- 18289 neoclassical
- ...