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 humor 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.
MEDIA REVIEWS
Publisher: Oxford University Press IncISBN: 9780190665067Weight: 386 gDimensions: 197 x 151 x 21 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
Swearing is indeed shocking,rude,and fun. It's also puzzling,fascinating,and thought-provoking,as is this marvellous book.With brilliant wit and remarkable skill,Rebecca Roache takes up the linguistic,social,moral,and legal dimensions of swearing. The result is a philosophically sophisticated and highly readable discussion with lots of practical guidance about whether and when we need to watch our mouths. Roache's wise,funny,and thought-provoking book belongs on everyone's shelf.Finally a book that rips the fuck out of the arseholes who claim that swearing is'the sign of a poor vocabulary'or'unnecessary.'Bollocks to them. This book puts those dim wankers right in as serious,intelligent,knowledgeable and hilarious a fashion as the subject deserves.This is a wonderfully well-written exploration of all aspects of swearing-cultural,linguistic,ethical and political. It's both insightful and an absolute page-turner,which made me laugh out loud several times-not a very common experience with philosophy books! In short,it's an excellent fucking book.Roache skillfully probes the complexities of profanity use and its relevance to decorum,identity,and power. This will intrigue linguists and potty-mouthed laypeople alike.A lively examination of swearing in all its forms,and although it is often humorous,Roache also has serious points to make...With dry wit and a storyteller's eye,Roache romps through the history and social meaning of colorful language.(B)oth academic and hilarious. Readers lured in by the title (and its sanitizing asterisk),especially those interested in the farreaching effects of language,and those who love to swear,will find much to ponder.
On Swearing: Rebecca Roache in Conversation with Robin Ince
London - Gower StreetThursday 2nd November 18:30 - 20:00
Join us for an evening with the author of For Fck's Sake,Rebecca Roache,who will be exploring our relationships with and reactions to swearing,with Robin Ince.
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