Taboo Language Flashcards
Define ORTHOPHEMISM
The scientific or official way of saying something taboo.
E.g “urinate” “excretion”
Define EUPHEMISM
The informal and colloquial way of saying something taboo.
E.g “pee” “wee” “poo” “willy”
Define DYSPHEMISM
The socially offensive and dispreferred way of saying something taboo.
E.g “piss” “knob” “shit”
What is offensiveness based on?
Social, personal and political influences. Not everyone will find the same things offensive. Some words, though, are much more inherently offensive than others (e.g fuck)
Can swearing be used in every function of language (as suggested by Jakobson)?
Yes.
Referential: referring to a noun “it’s fucked”
Poetic: gives rhythm to speech
Emotive: shows emotion “i fucking love you”
Conative: invokes a reaction “fuck off” = go away
Phatic: helps solidify friendships, swearing when you feel comfortable
Metalingual: anagrams WTF, LMFAO
Swear words are….
…grammatically and functionally versatile.
Define TABOO LANGUAGE
Language that society deems unacceptable.
