Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris
Where the f*** do swear words come from?
Mar 19, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of swear words, starting with the curious origin of the F word. Discover how this and other profanities reflect societal changes and power dynamics. Learn about historical figures who shaped the language and the cultural shifting perceptions of various terms across American and British English. Explore literary impacts, notable obscenities, and the humorous evolution of slang. This playful discussion bursts with language insights, intriguing etymologies, and a lighthearted take on taboo topics.
50:51
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Quick takeaways
- The F-word has ancient Germanic roots, evolving from a benign term to one of modern language's most vulgar expressions.
- Swearing reflects societal norms and power dynamics, illustrating how language embodies complex human relationships, particularly regarding sex and gender.
Deep dives
Origins of the F-Word
The episode delves into the historical origins of the F-word, challenging popular misconceptions about its etymology. Contrary to the belief that it is an acronym, the word has roots in ancient times, dating back centuries as part of Germanic language origins. The conversation highlights how the meaning of the word has evolved over time, from being a more benign term referring to physical actions to becoming one of the most vulgar and taboo words in modern language. This evolution reflects broader societal attitudes toward sex and profanity, showing how cultural dynamics can shape language.
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