TABOO WORDS AND SWEARWORDS

Taboo Words and Swearwords

Many languages have words which are considered dangerous, holy, magic or shocking, and which are only used in certain situations or by certain people. For example, in some African tribes the names of dead chiefs must not be said; in many cultures, words associated with religious beliefs are used only on religious occasions, or only by priests. Words of this kind can be called 'taboo words'.

Taboo words are commonly avoided with euphemisms, such as the English euphemism pass away, meaning "die".

English has three main groups of taboo words and expressions:

(a) A great number of words connected with the Christian religion ( e.g. the names Christ, God) are considered holy by some people. Such people may be upset or shocked by their 'reckless' use.

(b) Certain words relating to sexual activity and the associated parts of the body ( e.g. balls, fuck) are regarded as shocking by a lot of people. In polite or formal language these words are generally avoided, or replaced by other expressions ( e.g. testicles, make love or have sexual intercourse).

(c) Some words referring to the elimination of bodily wastes, and the associated parts of the body, are also regarded as 'dirty' or shocking ( e.g. piss, shit). They are replaced by more 'polite' words and expressions with the same meaning ( e.g. urinate, defecate).

Because taboo words are shocking, they are common in situations where people want to give vent to their emotions by using 'strong' language. This is called 'swearing'. When people swear, taboo words usually change their meanings out and out. For instance, fuck off and piss off have nothing to do with sex or urinating- they are simply violently rude ways of saying 'go away'.

I believe the information was of some help.