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For F*ck's Sake: Why Swearing is Shocking, Rude, and Fun

Online ISBN:
9780197693896
Print ISBN:
9780190665067
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
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For F*ck's Sake: Why Swearing is Shocking, Rude, and Fun

Rebecca Roache
Rebecca Roache
Associate Professor in Philosophy, Royal Holloway, University of London
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Published online:
28 September 2023
Published in print:
1 November 2023
Online ISBN:
9780197693896
Print ISBN:
9780190665067
Publisher:
Oxford University Press

Abstract

For F*ck’s Sake: Why Swearing is Shocking, Rude, and Fun elaborates on the nuances and power of swear words. It clarifies that swear words are not exactly offensive since offensiveness lies under the meaning people usually do not say. Swearing is designed to convey disrespect and offensiveness, while acting as a communicative tool and a source of humor. However, the unspoken and usually unconscious inferences that speakers and listeners make about each other are key to explaining swear words’ capacity to shock. For F*ck’s Sake explores the function, value and complexity of swearing by discussing the ways it can foster social intimacy and the hypocritical ways of censorship and punishment.

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