profanity
Profanity is a type of language that includes dirty words and ideas. Swear words, obscene gestures, and naughty jokes are all considered profanity.
You know those four-letter words you’re not supposed to say? They’re profanity: language that’s vulgar and obscene. R-rated movies and cable stations like HBO have a lot of profanity, but you won’t hear it on a station like NBC or ABC. Profanity tends to be about off-color subjects, like sex and going to the bathroom. Everyone probably spews some profanity at some point, but you better be careful about who’s listening.
Definitions of profanity
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vulgar or irreverent speech or action
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types:
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blasphemy
blasphemous language (expressing disrespect for God or for something sacred)
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dirty word, filth, obscenity, smut, vulgarism
an offensive or indecent word or phrase
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curse, curse word, cuss, expletive, oath, swearing, swearword
profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
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bawdry, bawdy
lewd or obscene talk or writing
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scatology
a preoccupation with obscenity (especially that dealing with excrement or excretory functions)
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type of:
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utterance, vocalization
the use of uttered sounds for auditory communication
Word Family