dirty word
Language deemed offensive
A dirty word is a vulgar or obscene term—the kind children get scolded for using.
More broadly, it describes any word or concept that has become taboo or unfashionable in a particular context: Profit has become a dirty word in some circles.
Compromise is a dirty word to political purists.
The figurative sense often carries irony, noting how neutral terms acquire negative associations.
Invoked harm through words
- swearVow or use profanity
- obscenityIndecent word or act
- expletiveProfane emotional utterance
- cussSpeak profanely
blasphemy · epithet · slur · oath · invective · malediction · imprecation · f-bomb
Beyond verbal expression
- forbiddenNot allowed
- unmentionableToo shameful to discuss
- censoredSuppressed from publication
- bleepedObscured by tone
unprintable · indecent · improper · inappropriate · offensive · vulgar · crude · coarse
curse
Invoked harm through words
cuss · blasphemy · epithet · slur · oath · invective · malediction · imprecation · f-bomb · damn
unspeakable
Beyond verbal expression
- forbiddenNot allowed
- unmentionableToo shameful to discuss
- censoredSuppressed from publication
bleeped · unprintable · indecent · improper · inappropriate · offensive · vulgar · crude · coarse · lewd
- word phraseslost for words, at a loss for words, in other words, put into words, beyond words
- cursescurse, curses, hex, hexes, jinx