For f*ck's sake : why swearing is shocking, rude, and fun / Rebecca Roache.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Roache, Rebecca, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Swearing.

Physical Description:

ix, 257 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm

Other Title:

For fuck's sake

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Oxford University Press, [2024]

Summary:

"Why do we love to swear so much? Why do we get so offended when others do it? With wit and insight, philosopher Rebecca Roache seeks answers to these and other puzzling questions about bad language. When someone swears at you, it can sting. Likewise, sometimes there is no better way to make the point you're making-emphasize, insult, or just plain offend-than to use a swear. What explains the magical power of swearwords? Why are they so good at offending people? To understand swearwords' power, we need to look beyond the words themselves-beyond the way they sound and what they refer to-and consider more generally what we do when we swear. In this lively and amusing exploration of the various puzzles that surround swearing, philosopher Rebecca Roache argues that what makes swearing offensive is not really the words at all: the offensiveness lies in what we don't say. The unspoken-and usually unconscious-inferences that speakers and listeners make about each other are key to explaining swearwords' capacity to shock. Swearing is unique among etiquette breaches in that it is designed to convey disrespect-swearing packs more of a punch than failing to say "please". Roache helps readers understand how swearing works, celebrating its power as a communicative tool and source of humour while also taking a close and serious look at specific words-those directed at women and women's bodies, for example-that function in particular, complex ways. She also examines the often-hypocritical ways swearing can be punished or censored. Along the way, she clears up a few puzzles, including why people are more tolerant of f*** than of fuck, and why quoted swearing is less offensive than unquoted swearing. Finally, Roache helps readers appreciate that swearing isn't always bad. When it's not used offensively, it can foster social intimacy, can help people withstand pain, and might even help us curb our violent impulses. Even the offensiveness of swearing is valuable. Being able to cause offence by swearing is an important way of being accepted and respected as equals by other people"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

What is swearing?

Swearing's secret offensive ingredient

There is no secret ingredient

Different kinds of wrong

Taboo, aggression, and harsh sweary sounds

How to be a really offensive swearer

You talkin' to me?

A regulatory fucking mess

How to do things with swearing

Fairer swearers

Swears versus slurs

Cunt and cocksucker

Cunt and 'cunt'

How the f*** do asterisks work?

Swearing as a force for good

The value of offensiveness

Conclusion : you're all fucking superheroes.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Other Format:

Online version: Roache, Rebecca. For f*ck's sake

ISBN:

9780190665067

0190665068

OCLC:

1384448295

Publisher Number:

99994886985