Global Study Reveals Cultural Insights Through Taboo Language

A recent study investigating taboo language across 13 languages and 17 countries has uncovered significant cultural insights about how different societies perceive and use swear words. Researchers found that while native English speakers from the UK and Spanish speakers in Spain provided an average of 16 taboo words, German participants offered an astonishing average of 53. This stark contrast highlights the complex relationship between language and cultural values.

The study, involving 48 researchers, was led by Simone Sulpizio, a psychology professor at the University of Milano-Bicocca. Sulpizio noted that Germans possess a unique ability to create compound words, which may explain the greater number of taboo terms they identified, including unusual entries like “intelligenzallergiker,” meaning a person allergic to intelligence, and “hodenkobold,” or “testicle goblin.”

Jon Andoni Duñabeitia, a cognitive scientist at Nebrija University in Madrid, emphasized that these words offer “small snapshots of the realities of each culture.” They can convey varying degrees of negativity or irony, illustrating how different societies navigate the boundaries of acceptable language.

Among the findings, the study indicated that certain swear words, such as “shit,” ranked highly in languages like English, Finnish, and Italian, but were less prevalent in French, Dutch, Spanish, or German. Notably, derogatory terms for women were found across all cultures surveyed. Duñabeitia pointed out that this reflects the “terribly sexist traditions” that persist in many societies.

The research also revealed a universal discomfort with private or indecent topics, as sexual terms frequently emerged in the lists. Language evolves alongside social and political changes, which is evident in terms like “feminazi.” In the context of social media, the study found a hardening of language, with taboo words increasingly weaponized against individuals based on race, religion, gender, or sexuality.

When examining blasphemy, Sulpizio was surprised to find that while it existed in all languages studied, it was most pronounced among Italian participants. They provided over 24 taboo expressions related to the church, including 17 variations of what researchers translated as “fucking God.” Sulpizio suggested that Italy’s proximity to the Vatican and deeply rooted Catholic traditions might account for this prevalence.

The study also highlighted how the targets of insults vary by culture. “Everybody has slurs, but depending on the culture of the country, the target of the slur changes,” Sulpizio explained. Interestingly, men and extroverts were found to use taboo language more frequently, with an average occurrence of one swear word for every two minutes of speech.

Taboo words hold remarkable power, serving dual purposes that can either inflict harm or provide relief and humor. Research indicates these words can also aid in emotional regulation. In a study referenced by Sulpizio, participants were able to keep their hands submerged in ice longer when using a taboo word compared to a neutral term.

Despite the societal push against the use of taboo language, Sulpizio noted that these words persist in everyday speech. “Usually the most frequently used words of a language are the most familiar words. But with taboo words, this relationship is the opposite,” he said. The more familiar a taboo word is, the less likely it is to appear in formal written texts.

The findings challenge the long-held assumption that swearing is merely a sign of aggression or low intelligence. As researchers have noted, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests swearing plays a complex role in human communication and society.

This study not only sheds light on how different cultures express themselves through taboo language but also highlights the evolving nature of language itself. The implications of this research extend beyond mere linguistic curiosity, offering a deeper understanding of societal values and norms worldwide.