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PaperclipPerfector  1yr ago (text post)   5231 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for May 26, 2024

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Do any other languages have a swear like the n-word, where there's one taboo word that's far more taboo than any other? Even other slurs like cunt, jap, or faggot, while more taboo than fuck or shit, aren't on the level of nigger

I believe kafir is on the same level in South Africa and preto is in Brazil, both of which have meanings essentially identical to nigger.

I would also challenge you that the N-word is overwhelmingly more taboo than anything else. That may be true among the PMC, but blue collar workers near me use phrases like ‘nigger-rig’(fucked up) and don’t consider it particularly more offensive than other construction worker English phrases like ‘no matter how I do it it’s always just a cunt hair off’.

As an interesting historical example, Latin had ‘landica’(clitoris) which was considered so offensive that minced oaths were taboo.

As an interesting historical example, Latin had ‘landica’(clitoris) which was considered so offensive that minced oaths were taboo.

Any reading on this? I couldn't find anything with a quick Google.

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