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Scatological Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฉ
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scatological

[skรฆtษ™หˆlษ’dส’ษชkษ™l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

humor, literature

Scatological refers to humor that deals with excrement or bodily functions, often in a crude or offensive manner. It can also describe literature or artistic expressions that focus on such themes. This term is frequently used in discussions about certain comedic genres, where the use of dirty language or taboo subjects is prevalent. Because of its explicit nature, scatological content may not be suitable for all audiences.

Synonyms

crude, offensive, rude, vulgar.

Examples of usage

  • The comedian's scatological jokes made some audience members uncomfortable.
  • The novel is filled with scatological references that challenge societal norms.
  • Many consider the film a classic of scatological humor.
  • Scatological themes often appear in adult cartoons.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many classic comedies, like those by Aristophanes, used scatological humor to critique societal norms.
  • In modern literature, authors like James Joyce have employed scatological references to challenge literary conventions.

Psychology

  • Scatological humor can be a way to alleviate anxiety surrounding taboo subjects, allowing for laughter in uncomfortable discussions.
  • Research shows that humor related to bodily functions can enhance group bonding and social interactions through shared laughter.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Dumb and Dumber' leverage scatological humor to appeal to audiences seeking comedic relief through absurdity.
  • Popular animated shows, such as 'South Park,' often feature scatological themes to critique contemporary culture and politics.

Origin of 'scatological'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the Greek word 'skatologia,' which means 'the study of feces.'
  • The prefix 'scato-' refers to excrement, while '-logical' implies a systematic study or discussion.

The term 'scatological' originates from the Greek word 'skatฤ“s,' which means 'feces' or 'dung.' The use of scatological humor has a long history, dating back to Ancient Rome and Greece, where playwrights and authors would include crude bodily functions in their work to provoke laughter and shock. This form of humor is often seen as taboo, leading to its classification as a type of humor that is not traditionally accepted in polite society. In modern culture, scatological elements are prominent in various media, including stand-up comedy, films, and literature, reflecting the societal boundaries of humor and the acceptance of taboo topics in artistic expression.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,922, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.