The History of Swearing: From Ancient Times to Modern Day Profanities
Introduction: Why We Swear
Swearing is one of the most ancient and fascinating aspects of human language. We swear when we're angry, excited, in pain, or sometimes just for emphasis. It's the verbal equivalent of a fist pump or a scream, an emotional release valve that transcends cultures and eras. In this article, we’ll explore the history of swearing, why it has such a strong hold over us, and how it has evolved through time.
Swearing in Ancient Times
Swearing dates back as far as written language itself. In ancient cultures like Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, people used swear words to curse their enemies or express frustration, much like today. The Greeks, for example, had a surprisingly extensive vocabulary of profanity, categorised into various classes. Words related to bodily functions, insults to one’s lineage, and references to the gods all found their place in daily speech.
Swearing was deeply connected to religion and the concept of taboo. In ancient Rome, the use of certain words was seen as a way to invoke the gods' anger or bad luck on someone. On the other hand, swearing could also serve as a form of humour in public performances, illustrating its complex role in society.
Ancient Graffiti: Swearing on the Walls
Ancient Rome also left us with some of the earliest examples of swearing through graffiti. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, the city of Pompeii was preserved, including the graffiti scribbled onto its walls. One notable example reads: “Apollinaris, doctor to the emperor Titus, had a good crap here,” showcasing how Romans casually used profanity in public spaces. In other cases, graffiti captured insults and sexual boasts, with phrases like "Nikasitimos was here mounting Timiona" found on the Greek island of Astypalaia, demonstrating that public swearing and erotic bragging were part of ancient life. For some great examples have a look at these articles over at Mental Floss and Kashgar.
In Smyrna (modern-day İzmir, Turkey), ancient graffiti even included riddles and writings that scholars continue to study. These inscriptions reflect a society where graffiti served not just as a release of emotion but also as a form of creative expression. Check out Ancient Origins for some examples.
The Middle Ages: The Power of Blasphemy
During the Middle Ages, religion dominated daily life, and blasphemy became the most offensive form of swearing. Words and phrases that took the Lord's name in vain, such as "God's wounds!" or "By Christ's nails!", were considered dangerous not only to the individual but to society as a whole.
It wasn't just the act of swearing that was frowned upon; the punishments were severe. People caught blaspheming could face fines, public humiliation, or even physical punishment. Imagine being whipped just for saying something like "God's teeth!" in frustration. While this may seem extreme now, it highlights how deeply profanity was intertwined with religious beliefs and societal order.
Renaissance and the Birth of Modern Swearing
With the Renaissance came a shift in attitudes toward language and swearing. This period saw the rise of creative insults and bawdy language, particularly in literature. Shakespeare was a master of the art, cleverly weaving subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) profanities into his works. Take, for example, phrases like "you starveling, you eel-skin, you dried neat's-tongue, you bull's pizzle, you stock-fish!" from Henry IV—creative swearing at its finest. For some more epic Shakespearean insults check out No Sweat Shakespeare.
This era marked a move away from purely religious-based profanities, thank christ, to words referencing bodily functions, sexual acts, and personal insults. Swearing was becoming more of a tool for social commentary, satire, and comedy.
The Victorian Era: The Rise of Politeness and Censorship
The Victorian era was a time of strict social codes and a newfound prudishness about language. Swearing, especially in public, became heavily frowned upon. Words associated with sex, bodily functions, and religion were replaced by euphemisms—polite alternatives that avoided direct mention of anything "unspeakable."
Some of the euphemisms introduced in this period sound almost comical to modern ears. For instance, legs were referred to as "limbs," and even the term "trousers" was seen as indecent. What a bunch of boring b*stards you may say, but some or the insults from this era sure tickled us. "Mutton-Monger" for example is a particular favourite here. The meaning? A frequenter of brothels. For some more profanities from this time check out OUPBlog.
Modern Swearing: The Evolution of Profanity
In the 20th and 21st centuries, swearing took on new meanings and forms. Words that were once shocking have become part of casual, everyday language. The rise of media, music, and pop culture played a significant role in normalising profanity, making it a tool for self-expression, rebellion, and humour.
Swearing today is more about context than the words themselves. In some settings, a well-placed swear word can be a sign of camaraderie and trust. In others, it serves as a tool for emphasis or a way to vent frustration. The versatility of swearing is one of the reasons it has persisted through the ages.
Take Scotland for example, where if you are referred to as a "c*nt" it is quite clearly not a good thing, however insert the word "good" in front of it and you are basically a gentleman and a scholar.
For some properly Scottish insults have a look at this old BuzzFeed article including translations.
Why Do We Swear Today?
Probably because there is quite a lot to swear about. Interestingly, swearing occupies a different part of the brain than regular language. This was highlighted in discussions by Stephen Fry, who pointed out that swear words are often processed in the limbic system—the part of the brain associated with emotion and memory. This is why, when we stub our toe or experience intense pain, a curse word often flies out before we can think about it. Swearing is visceral, emotional, and immediate.
Studies have shown that swearing can actually relieve pain and reduce stress. In fact, some psychologists argue that people who swear more tend to be more honest and authentic, as they're less likely to filter their language in the pursuit of politeness.
Swearing in Different Cultures
Swearing isn't just a Western phenomenon; it's universal. However, the words and taboos differ significantly between cultures. In Japan, for instance, swearing is less about specific words and more about tone and context. Meanwhile, in some Scandinavian countries, mild swear words might be directly related to their history with religion, like the Swedish use of "fan" (devil) or "helvete" (hell).
Each culture has its unique way of expressing anger, frustration, or excitement, often leading to amusingly literal translations. For example, in Italy, you might hear someone shout "Porca miseria!" which translates to "pig misery!"—a phrase that beautifully encapsulates Italian flair for the dramatic.
Conclusion: The Timelessness of a Good Swear Word
Swearing has always been part of human expression, whether it's to invoke divine wrath, express frustration, or simply add a colourful flourish to language. Its history is as rich and varied as human culture itself. So, the next time you let out a well-timed expletive, remember—you’re participating in an age-old tradition.
And speaking of traditions, why not celebrate the art of swearing with one of our ever so slightly rude framed prints.
After all, a good swear word is a masterpiece in its own right.