taboo language, dysphemism and swearing

Question 1

what is taboo language

Answer 1

words, phrases and expressions that can be culturally or socially inappropriate in specific communities or contexts
- vulgar and obscene language
- swearing
- dysphemism
- language that demeans, insults and denigrates

Question 2

why is taboo language used

Answer 2

taboo language can be used to grab attention, to be more arousing, memorable, evocative or shocking
- add emotion or humour, strengthen social bonds or belonging to a specific group that uses taboo language or for playfulness

Question 3

what happens when taboo and language change?

Answer 3

taboo and the censoring of language can motivate language change by promoting the invention of new playful expressions, or new meanings for old expressions and causes existing vocabulary to be abandoned

Question 4

what is swearing?

Answer 4

the use of offensive and socially inappropriate language
- it can be used to abuse or intimidate others
- add emphasis
- reflect an informal context
- convey a negative idea
- as a coping mechanism or pain or suffering

Question 5

what types of swearing functions are there?

Answer 5

• the expletive function: exclamatory interjections that are highly expressive (wow! ouch! shit!) used to steam emotions
• the abusive function: swear words can extra insult to injury, including words like (bugger you! or bugger off!) or when talking about third parties
• the stylistic function: used to spice up the discourse, making things more memorable and less ordinary (where the bloody hell are you)
• the social function: use of swear words to display in-group solidarity as a part of verbal cuddling or friendly banter to display mateship, endearment like (he’s a good old bastard”