Deepak Shenoy [14 April 2012 12:50]: > > Can people here provide examples of strong curse/swear words in any > > language (i.e, these mean something beyond just punctuation or verbal > > tics) that DO NOT involve female relatives? Extra bonus point if they > > also DO NOT involve sexual acts of varying degrees of improbability. > > A common one in Konkani pronounced "muh-dya" means "dead body". Many of the > konkani ones I know are benign - meaning "mad fellow", "your head has dried > up", "burnt fellow" etc.
Well well .. I sort of suspected someone would have written a paper on this. http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/rev/8/2/113/ Citation Database: PsycARTICLES [ Journal Article ] The psychology of profanity. Patrick, G. T. W. Psychological Review, Vol 8(2), Mar 1901, 113-127. doi: 10.1037/h0074772 Abstract Discusses the use of profane words with reference to the origin of language and the relation between emotion and expression. Two kinds of swearing, assertive and ejaculatory; and 7 classes of profane swearing are enumerated. In regard to a theory of profanity, it is an expression of emotion, especially of anger. However, the James-Lange and the Sutherland theories show that it is to be understood by the genetic method. By a process of selection, profanity chooses those forms of phonation best adapted to shock the opponent. Originally used in combat, at present it is used when well-being of the individual is threatened. It does not generate emotion but allays it. Profanity provides catharsis, helping one cope during intolerable periods of inner conflict, repression and readjustment. It is considered immoral due to the emphasis on inhibition and repression, and the religious connection between the sacred and the profane. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)
