Perceptions of Profanity : The Complexities of Category and Context

Abstract

In the current study, we tested systematically the idea that people’s responses to a given swear word are related to the conceptual category to which the swear word belongs and the context in which the word is used We also tested predictions about individuals’ use of taboo language and reactions to taboo language as a function of their gender and sexual attitudes (i e attitudes toward short term and long term mating) Specifically, we tested the following predictions (1) participants will perceive aggressive taboo language as more offensive than cathartic or idiomatic taboo language (2) men will use taboo language more frequently, and perceive it as less offensive, than women will and (3) for women in particular, more frequent use of genital sexual taboo language will be associated with holding more promiscuous sexual attitudes.