Swearword: meaning, definitions and examples
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swearword
[ ˈswɛr wɜːrd ]
offensive language
A swear word, also known as a profanity or expletive, is a word or phrase that is considered socially unacceptable in formal language or contexts. These words are often used to express strong emotion, especially anger or frustration, and can also serve to emphasize a point. Swear words may vary culturally and can have different levels of offensiveness depending on the context in which they are used. They often reflect societal norms and taboos associated with language.
Synonyms
curse, cuss word, expletive, profanity.
Examples of usage
- He let out a swear word when he hit his thumb with a hammer.
- The movie was filled with swear words that made it unsuitable for children.
- She couldn't help but use a swear word in her moment of frustration.
- Swear words can sometimes lighten the mood among friends.
Translations
Translations of the word "swearword" in other languages:
🇵🇹 palavrão
🇮🇳 गाली
🇩🇪 Schimpfwort
🇮🇩 kata kasar
🇺🇦 нецензурне слово
🇵🇱 przekleństwo
🇯🇵 悪口
🇫🇷 gros mot
🇪🇸 palabrota
🇹🇷 küfür
🇰🇷 욕설
🇸🇦 كلمة نابية
🇨🇿 nadávka
🇸🇰 nadávka
🇨🇳 脏话
🇸🇮 kletvica
🇮🇸 bókstafur
🇰🇿 жаман сөз
🇬🇪 ბინძური სიტყვა
🇦🇿 nalayiq söz
🇲🇽 grosería
Etymology
The term 'swearword' is derived from the combination of 'swear' and 'word'. The word 'swear' originates from the Old English 'sweoran', which means to take an oath or to invoke a supernatural being as a witness to the truth of a statement. The word began to take on its modern connotation of using offensive language in the late Middle Ages. Over the centuries, swear words have evolved in both form and meaning, often reflecting the changing values and sensitivities of society. As cultures develop, certain words that were once considered acceptable can become taboo and vice versa. Therefore, the lexicon of swear words is fluid, shaped significantly by societal attitudes toward language and decorum.