Taboo Science cover image

Taboo Science

Profanity (with Benjamin K. Bergen)

Oct 8, 2020
Profanity and its evolution across generations, the power and impact of taboo words related to sex, bodily functions, and religion. Younger generations prioritize offense towards derogatory terms. Words have power to show genuine, funny, and accessible aspects of individuals, despite potential harm caused by profane language.
22:52

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Quick takeaways

  • Profanity gains power from cultural taboos and judgments, evolving as societal norms shift over time.
  • Younger generations prioritize harm caused by slurs over traditional offensive language, reflecting a cultural shift in attitudes towards profanity.

Deep dives

The Complex Nature of Profanity

The podcast delves into the intricacies of profanity, exploring how certain words can evoke strong emotional responses and societal taboos. Profanity isn't inherently profane; it's the cultural judgments and societal context that assign power to these words. Through examples like the evolution of the F-word and the word 'dick', the podcast illustrates how language can shift in meaning and taboo status over time, influenced by societal norms and attitudes.

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