Disclaimer: this episode is full of four-letter words. They are censored (so we can keep our “clean” rating), but we want to give you a heads up in case your sensibilities are offended by the topic!
This week, we put our mouths right into the gutter and talk about swearing. First, why do we swear? It turns out swearing is in a different area of the brain from everyday language (one article described it as the “lizard brain”). Fascinating! Then we talk about the different kinds of swearing: descriptive (he is f*cked), idiomatic (that’s f*cked up), abusive (f*ck you!), emphatic (this is f*cking great), and cathartic (f*ck!! I stubbed my toe!). We also discuss how swearing changes over time with taboos, and how different regions of the world have different taboos and therefore have curse words that revolve around different topics. Finally, at the end, we give you some really graphic, creative insults from Spanish, Irish, Bitol, and a few more!
Check out the articles we used for this episode:
- How swearing varies by global region
- Different kinds of swearing
- Some of the world’s greatest insults
In Language News, can the language you speak influence your perception of time? The short answer is… maybe. For a long-winded answer with examples, explanation, and irresistible charm from your favorite hosts, listen to the episode! Here’s where we got the article: http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20180806-can-language-slow-down-time. Special thanks to Caroline in Panama for sending it in!!
A huge thanks to Emily in Arkansas for her hilarious lost in translation moment about almost getting roped into a Taiwanese cult! Huge props to her for not going through with it. Others might have signed away their souls to avoid awkward confrontation…
To submit your Lost in Translation moment, go to our contact section and record your voice! Or send us a voice note to languagenerdsdoearth@gmail.com. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and give us some stars on iTunes!
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