On Swearwords and Slang

Bibliographic Data

ID5776095
AuthorsRoger L Moore (0000-0002-5645-9297, Rollins College, corresponding author), Robert L Moore
Year2012
Volume87
Issue2
Pages170-189
Publication date2012-05-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Speech (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0003-1283 • E-ISSN: 1527-2133
PublisherDuke University Press (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1215/00031283-1668199
OpenAlexW2028897914
LanguageEN
Citations received10
References cited21

Slang lexemes and swearwords are commonly discussed in conjunction with each other as though they were slightly different versions of the same phenomenon. However, these lexical categories have distinctly different core functions and correspondingly different defining qualities. Confusion about their differences comes from the fact that each is associated with the obligatory expression of affect that is incompatible with the formality and deference characteristic of honorifics or, indeed, of much standard discourse. Slang lexemes and swearwords also overlap in that basic slang lexemes, such as cool and swell, share with swearwords connections to underlying cultural value systems that render them (like swearwords) both widely recognizable and enduring

Confusion · Formality · Phenomenon · Slang · Language, Discourse, Communication Strategies · Swearing, Euphemism, Multilingualism · Translation Studies and Practices