Taboo words have been part of human language for centuries, allowing people to express strong emotions. But why do we use these words, and what makes some of them more offensive than others?
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In one of our studies, we explored the fascinating dynamics behind swear words through what we call the ABC model of taboo language.
What Did We Do?
Our study looked at three dimensions of taboo words:
- Affective Component (A): This measures how offensive or intense a word is perceived to be.
- Behavioral Component (B): This tracks how often people actually use these words.
- Cognitive Component (C): This reflects our knowledge of taboo words, including which words are commonly recognized as offensive.
We gathered data from hundreds of participants, asking them to list their most commonly used taboo words and rate their intensity. We also analyzed how these words relate to personality traits, particularly how people’s natural tendencies influence their use of strong language.
What Did We Discover?
Our findings highlighted a fascinating link between how offensive a word is perceived to be and how often people actually use it:
- Intensity vs. Frequency: Generally, the more offensive a word is considered, the less likely people are to use it frequently. Words with extremely high intensity tend to be reserved for moments of strong emotion.
- Trait Affectivity Matters: People with higher levels of certain personality traits, like high emotional reactivity, tend to use taboo words more frequently. This suggests that personality plays a role in when and how we swear.
- Stable Dictionary of Taboo Words: Interestingly, the most common taboo words haven’t changed much over time. This consistency suggests that society has a fairly fixed “dictionary” of offensive language.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding the emotional and social context behind swearing can give us insights into how language reflects human experience. By using the ABC model, we can see how taboo words serve as a tool for emotional expression, helping people to cope, connect, or even release tension. Additionally, recognizing that not everyone uses taboo words in the same way highlights the individuality in language use and personal expression.
Our Vision for Future Research
With further research, the ABC model could help deepen our understanding of language’s role in emotional health, social connection, and cultural evolution. By studying taboo words, we’re uncovering how words, emotions, and behaviors intertwine, giving us a clearer picture of human expression.
Podcast
Listening to the podcast on about the article! Podcast generated with NotebookLM, reviewed by Danilo Garcia and Patricia Rosenberg.
The Article
Rosenberg, P., Sikström, S., & Garcia, D. (2017). The ABC of taboo words in natural language: The relationship between taboo words' intensity and frequency. Journal of Language and Social Psychology, 36(3), 306–320. https://doi.org/10.1177/0261927X16660830