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What is a swear word?

In: Word and Phrase Origins

Answer:

The term "swear words" comes from the same source as the verb "to swear" (to affirm, vow, or give an oath) but it has an entirely different meaning.

A swear word is an offensive word or name that is considered very bad manners to use. It can be an insult or an exclamation. It can be a noun, a verb, or an adjective, but it's a word that people may take offense to hearing. It is the opposite of correct, civil dialogue. When a person swears, he is considered uneducated and extremely impolite.

As this type of word frequently involves the names of deities, it can also be called an oath. Again, this is not the same as an affirmation or vow.

These words are more often found (and tolerated) in modern films, especially in Europe and the US. But they may be censored (cut, bleeped, or dubbed) when the audience is expected to include minors or others who might easily be offended by the language.

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Jadeacres

First answer by Cjonb. Last edit by Shinju. Contributor trust: 180 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 2 [recommend question].

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