swearwords
Expletives and curses
Swearwords are words considered offensive, vulgar, or taboo—the terms polite society avoids.
They typically involve sex, bodily functions, religion, or slurs against groups.
What counts as a swearword varies by culture and era; words that once shocked may become mild, while others gain taboo status.
Also spelled as two words: swear words.
Invoked harm through words
- cussSpeak profanely
- expletiveProfane emotional utterance
- obscenityIndecent word or act
- blasphemyIrreverence toward the sacred
foul language · oath · imprecation · malediction · epithet · strong language · blue language · cursing
Insulting group label
- insultOffensive remark or action
- derogatoryExpressing criticism or disrespect
- pejorativeTerm expressing disapproval
- epithetDescriptive tag for someone
invective · vituperation · abuse · denigration · aspersion · affront · put-down · verbal abuse
Not allowed
- unmentionableToo shameful to discuss
- unspeakableBeyond verbal expression
- censorshipOfficial content restriction
- bleepElectronic censoring tone
redacted · asterisks · bowdlerize · expurgated · prohibited · stigma · inappropriate · verboten
Sudden emotional release
- exclamationForceful sudden utterance
- interjectionEmotional outcry word class
- ejaculationSudden expulsion or outcry
- blurtSpeak suddenly, thoughtlessly
expletive · utterance · tirade · rant · venting · catharsis · exasperation · frustration
Intense, violent anger
- furyIntense violent anger
- wrathFierce, punishing anger
- temperState of mind
- outrageFierce moral indignation
irritation · vexation · indignation · hostility · aggression · resentment · exasperation · annoyance
curse
Invoked harm through words
blasphemy · foul language · oath · imprecation · malediction · epithet · strong language · blue language · cursing · f-bomb
slur
Insulting group label
- insultOffensive remark or action
- derogatoryExpressing criticism or disrespect
- pejorativeTerm expressing disapproval
epithet · invective · vituperation · abuse · denigration · aspersion · affront · put-down · verbal abuse · hate speech
forbidden
Not allowed
- unmentionableToo shameful to discuss
- unspeakableBeyond verbal expression
- censorshipOfficial content restriction
bleep · redacted · asterisks · bowdlerize · expurgated · prohibited · stigma · inappropriate · verboten · scandalous
outburst
Sudden emotional release
- exclamationForceful sudden utterance
- interjectionEmotional outcry word class
- ejaculationSudden expulsion or outcry
blurt · expletive · utterance · tirade · rant · venting · catharsis · exasperation · frustration · emphasis
rage
Intense, violent anger
outrage · irritation · vexation · indignation · hostility · aggression · resentment · exasperation · annoyance · tirade
swearwordsclean language
Speech free of profanity
euphemisms · formal language · courtesies · pleasantries · minced oaths
swearwordsblessings
Favors from the divine
compliments · terms of endearment · endearments · kind words · words of praise