What is Profanity?

Some grammar rules (and embarrassing mistakes!) transcend the uniqueness of different regions and style guides. This new International Grammar section by OnlineBookClub.org ultimately identifies those rules thus providing a simple, flexible rule-set, respecting the differences between regions and style guides. You can feel free to ask general questions about spelling and grammar. You can also provide example sentences for other members to proofread and inform you of any grammar mistakes.

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Astral Magi
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Re: What is Profanity?

Post by Astral Magi »

lightoj wrote: โ†‘03 May 2020, 15:21
edztan15 wrote: โ†‘26 Apr 2020, 00:44 Does "WTF" count as profanity? For all we know, it could mean "Wednesday Thursday Friday" ๐Ÿ˜‚
I really find this funny. That's definitely you speaking tongue in cheek ๐Ÿ˜€


My Mom believes that that is what it means and that 'lol' means lots of love ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ
๐Ÿ•‰Be Here NowโŒ›
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Post by Review Writer »

Chinwe nwankpa wrote: โ†‘22 Apr 2020, 03:47 I don't get what a borderline and non borderline profanity is
Borderline profanity is a less severe or minor dirty word. E.g. 'damn'
non-borderline profanity is a plane and severe dirty work like 'f*ck'
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Post by Recee Ann »

Chinwe nwankpa wrote: โ†‘22 Apr 2020, 03:47 I don't get what a borderline and non borderline profanity is
I'm telling you.. but for me I think profanity has to do with vulgar words.
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Post by Emidio Inocencio »

I would define profanity as a word or phrase that would deeply offend someone.
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Post by sayoniwrites »

you're always bitching about why I never take you out.

Is bitching profanity in this instance? If so, is it borderline or non-borderline?
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Post by Helen Akoth »

Nkoo wrote: โ†‘01 Oct 2019, 12:01 With respect to OBC, what exactly is profanity and which words/group of words can be classified as profanity? Can the use of these words in a review book be ignored or classified as profanity?
The follwing are the words: the f-word, holy hell, what the hell, sh*t, holy crap, etc.
I need clarifications. Apologies for using such words here. :tiphat:
I had to look this up to come up with a more concrete response to this question. According to Wikipedia, profanity, in a more literal sense, is disregard of anything that is held sacred. If that is right, then words, such as hell, geez, et cetera, should be considered non-bordeline profanity. But the word profanity has evolved, and nowadays it includes expletives, racial slurs, and anything that is derogatory. With respect to OBC, I would say that if you are not sure whether or not a word is a profanity, you should always do your research.
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Post by Samuel Mamo »

I read the profanity guidelines; But I think Profanity is something relative, a profane expression sometimes, In some cultures is common. It is the intention of the expression I focus mostly to label.
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Post by Brigitte van Dyk »

'd**g' is borderline. 'd**n' is profane. Replacing with stars is borderline. If you wouldn't say it when not wanting to ruin your high integrity reputation, then it is profane.
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Post by Brigitte van Dyk »

I think your definition of what is borderline depends on your culture and nationality too. The F-word comes from German or middle English meaning to strike. It was not originally profane. The F-word in Afrikaans is said, written and pronounced 'fok' with a short explosive 'o' similar to the german pronunciation. The spelling may cause foreigners to mark this word as borderline while to South Africans this is clearly non-borderline profane.
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Post by Eunnah »

I clearly understand the meaning of profanity. This forum is really helpful. Thank you.
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Post by IgnatiusChima »

Interesting conversation. I'm learning a lot
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Post by TerrifiedTaylor »

Chinwe nwankpa wrote: โ†‘22 Apr 2020, 03:47 I don't get what a borderline and non borderline profanity is
Yes, I most definitely agree with you on this. :eusa-think:
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Post by CHAPMAN MSOWOYA »

This stream is so helpful to learn about profanity which is something I could not figure out. Thanks to all the comments.
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Post by Midmora »

unamilagra wrote: โ†‘01 Oct 2019, 21:56 My rule of thumb is that if I wouldn't say it while speaking to a class of kindergarteners, then it is at least borderline profanity. If I wouldn't say it while speaking to a class of high schoolers, it's probably non-borderline profanity.
After reading a few books, it is hard to tell what's considered borderline profanity when it comes to dialogue. After reading some of the comments, I find this a good rule of thumb. I'm still new to this so I really appreciate everyone's thought process.
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Post by Donna Walker »

When in doubt, I classify it as borderline profanity.ย 
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