Taboo language

Karyn Stapleton; Kristy Beers Fägersten

Taboo language

Karyn Stapleton, Kristy Beers Fägersten

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Entry for encyclopedia/dictionary › peer-review

Abstract

This chapter explores the concept of taboo language, which involves both language that references taboos and language that is itself forbidden. Taboo language reflects social relationships and hierarchies, varying in form and application across cultures. The chapter distinguishes between taboo reference, predication, and words, discussing their offensive potential and the role of censorship in maintaining taboos. Taboo avoidance and taboo exploitation are discussed. Swear words are examined as a special category of taboo language, often associated with strong emotions and societal norms. The chapter concludes by noting the dynamic nature of taboo language and its significance in cultural and linguistic contexts.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	International Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics
Editors	Hilary Nesi, Peter Milin
Publisher	Elsevier
Chapter	15093
Edition	3rd
ISBN (Electronic)	9780443222863
ISBN (Print)	9780323955041
Publication status	Accepted/In press - 30 Oct 2024

Keywords

censorship, dysphemism, euphemism, impoliteness, offence, orthophemism, politeness, referent, slur, social norms, swearing, swear words, taboo

Cite this

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title = "Taboo language",

abstract = "This chapter explores the concept of taboo language, which involves both language that references taboos and language that is itself forbidden. Taboo language reflects social relationships and hierarchies, varying in form and application across cultures. The chapter distinguishes between taboo reference, predication, and words, discussing their offensive potential and the role of censorship in maintaining taboos. Taboo avoidance and taboo exploitation are discussed. Swear words are examined as a special category of taboo language, often associated with strong emotions and societal norms. The chapter concludes by noting the dynamic nature of taboo language and its significance in cultural and linguistic contexts.",

keywords = "censorship, dysphemism, euphemism, impoliteness, offence, orthophemism, politeness, referent, slur, social norms, swearing, swear words, taboo",

author = "Karyn Stapleton and {Beers F{\"a}gersten}, Kristy",

year = "2024",

month = oct,

day = "30",

language = "English",

isbn = "9780323955041",

editor = "Hilary Nesi and Peter Milin",

booktitle = "International Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics",

publisher = "Elsevier",

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TY - CHAP

T1 - Taboo language

AU - Stapleton, Karyn

AU - Beers Fägersten, Kristy

PY - 2024/10/30

Y1 - 2024/10/30

N2 - This chapter explores the concept of taboo language, which involves both language that references taboos and language that is itself forbidden. Taboo language reflects social relationships and hierarchies, varying in form and application across cultures. The chapter distinguishes between taboo reference, predication, and words, discussing their offensive potential and the role of censorship in maintaining taboos. Taboo avoidance and taboo exploitation are discussed. Swear words are examined as a special category of taboo language, often associated with strong emotions and societal norms. The chapter concludes by noting the dynamic nature of taboo language and its significance in cultural and linguistic contexts.

AB - This chapter explores the concept of taboo language, which involves both language that references taboos and language that is itself forbidden. Taboo language reflects social relationships and hierarchies, varying in form and application across cultures. The chapter distinguishes between taboo reference, predication, and words, discussing their offensive potential and the role of censorship in maintaining taboos. Taboo avoidance and taboo exploitation are discussed. Swear words are examined as a special category of taboo language, often associated with strong emotions and societal norms. The chapter concludes by noting the dynamic nature of taboo language and its significance in cultural and linguistic contexts.

KW - censorship, dysphemism, euphemism, impoliteness, offence, orthophemism, politeness, referent, slur, social norms, swearing, swear words, taboo

M3 - Entry for encyclopedia/dictionary

SN - 9780323955041

BT - International Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics

A2 - Nesi, Hilary

A2 - Milin, Peter

PB - Elsevier

ER -

Taboo language

Abstract

Keywords

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