Profanity

A drawing of profanity replaced by symbols

Profanity is the act of using rude words. The adjective is profane. Profanities can also be called swear words, curse ("cuss") words, dirty words, bad words, foul language, obscenity or obscene language, or expletives. It can be called an oath, although this word also has a normal meaning of a "solemn promise".

Religious profanity is called blasphemy. The verb is to blaspheme and the adjective is blasphemous. Saying “God!” or “Jesus Christ!” as an expression of surprise or annoyance is considered by many people to be blasphemy, mostly because one of the Ten Commandments says not to use God's name "in vain" (without a good reason). Swearing oaths is also considered wrong by some who follow Jesus' teaching against swearing oaths in the Gospels (such as Matt. 5:34).

A profanity usually refers to religion, sex, or bodily functions. These are things that people feel very strongly about. In some languages, such as French, there is more profanity about religion than most other topics. Russian has more about defecation and the lower digestive tract.

A profanity can be a word or gesture or some other form of behaviour.

Different words can be profanity to different people, and what words are thought of as profanity in English can change over time.

Whether a word is a profanity will always depend on the way people think. Some people will be offended by something, while others are not. Words which should not be used are taboo words. Using such words is thought by some people to be a sin.

Opinions on profanity

Some people call profanity "crude," but some say that it is no cruder to say "damn" than "puke" (a word that is simply vulgar, but not a swear word). People who use profanity do not always mean to make anybody feel bad, and tolerance for different forms of profanity can vary widely, from person to person. Most often, using profanity is a verbal outlet for strong feelings (usually unpleasant ones), that might otherwise cause a physical reaction. At other times, some people may use profanity as humor.

Coprolalia

Some people develop a mental condition where they use profanity constantly. This is called coprolalia. Many people wrongly think this is called Tourette's syndrome. Tourette's syndrome is actually a group of disorders that only includes coprolalia 15% of the time. The condition can be aggravated (made worse) by stress.

Common examples of profanity

Several of these words come from Anglo-Saxon or Norse names for body parts, and bodily functions. They came to be thought of as profanity mostly after the Normans brought French and Latin words for them to England.

Ass or Arse

The buttocks or "butt" (from Anglo-Saxon ears) of a human. Usages include "get your ass out of here", and "kiss my ass", which are usually considered mild. Also refers to donkeys, who were formerly called asses; "you are such an ass" comes from this usage.

Asshole

(U.K. Arsehole) ― Anus; also used to describe an unpleasant person.

Bastard

A term for a child who was born to unmarried parents, also used as an insult. Often refers to something or someone whose presence can cause trouble, or something poorly planned or made.

Bitch

Means female dog or prostitute; but is usually a rude name for a woman who is considered unpleasant or demanding, or anyone in a servile position. Can also refer to a bad situation ("I had a bitch of a time"). Also used as a verb, meaning to complain ("they bitched about the problem"). By contrast, bitchin' (sometimes "bitchen") can mean something very good or pleasant ("a bitchin' car").

Cunt

A vagina. Also used as an offensive term for a woman or man.

Damn

A verb, meaning to condemn someone or something. It is commonly considered mild profanity, and is used to show disappointment or surprise.

Fuck

A verb, meaning to copulate (to have sex). Can also mean to cheat or steal from ("fuck over") someone, to interfere with ("fuck with") something or someone, or to cause harm ("fuck up"). "Fuck up" can also mean to make a mistake. It is often used as a meaninless intensifier, especially in the adverb form ("too fucking expensive"), ("What the fuck?").

Hell

The underworld, or a place of punishment in the afterlife for evil, according to many religions.

Jerkoff (also "jerk off")

Refers to masturbation. The noun is often written as a single word, while the verb is two words. Usually means a person who has bad priorities or reasoning, or the act of masturbating ("jerking off").

Motherfucker

An insult that can be used for sex inside the family, but mostly used in the sense of Bastard.

Nigger

An offensive word for black people. "Nigger" (or "nigga") is more commonly used in rap culture, where it is used towards others as a friendly term.

Pussy

This term refers to the vulva, and also to a weak man.

Shit

Feces; also a verb, meaning to defecate. As an exclamation, it is similar to "fuck". It can be used to refer to any object, although it is often used in reference to drugs (heroin or marijuana in particular), music, or a person's belongings. May also mean trouble, or annoyance by others ("I'm tired of this shit").

Slut

A very offensive term for women (and sometimes men), similar to bitch. Usually refers to someone with loose morals, or who gives in easily to others, or puts their own gratification ahead of more important things.

Profane gestures

These are mostly performed while facing another person, and can be meant toward them, or about them. These gestures are considered as strong as profane words in most cases.

Biting one's thumb

Performed by placing the tip of a thumb under the front teeth, then pulling the thumb slightly forward, with the fingers closed. Mocks the "thumbs up" gesture. Can be taken to mean "bite me", though it predates the common use of this phrase.

Grabbing one's own crotch

Also an invitation to "bite me", or to perform oral sex in a servile way.

Pretending to give fellatio

One pokes out a cheek with the tongue, while rocking a closed hand toward the mouth, at the same time. Indicates something or someone is a waste of time.

Pretending to masturbate

Indicates something or someone is a waste of time, or performs poorly.

Showing one's middle finger ("flipping the bird")

Understood generally to mean "fuck you".

Thumbing (or "fluting") one's nose

Performed by placing the tip of a thumb against the tip of the nose, then wiggling the fingers. Expresses contempt, or thinking that someone is foolish.

"Up yours"

One turns a forearm horizontally, while swinging the other fist and forearm around it. Suggests something being shoved into a person's rectum. If the middle finger is shown, it is a stronger form of "fuck you", or a suggestion of anal sex.