swearword

IPA/swˈeəwɜːd/
IPA/swˈɛɹwɜːd/

swearword — phrase

1. a rude or offensive word that people say when they are angry, shocked, or upset

1.phraseB1
Definition

a rude or offensive word that people say when they are angry, shocked, or upset

Example

After the hammer hit his thumb, Rafael shouted a swearword.

shout a swearword after sudden pain

The radio host apologized when a caller slipped a swearword on air.

slip a swearword on air

Common collocations
  • say a swearword
  • shout a swearword
  • hear a swearword
  • use a swearword
Synonyms
  • curse word

    is a common everyday alternative, especially in American English

  • expletive

    is more formal and often used in broadcasting or writing about offensive language

  • obscenity

    sounds stronger and more legal or technical than everyday swearword

Grammar Patterns

say a swearword

shout a swearword

use a swearword

Usage Note

Often refers to the word itself rather than to the insult's exact target. Common after verbs such as say, shout, hear, use, or let slip.

Common Mistakes

The actor shouted a swear on stage.
The actor shouted a swearword on stage.
swear is usually a verb here; swearword is the noun for the rude expression.

Etymology

English

The word joins swear, meaning to use strong or offensive language, with word. It became a straightforward label for a rude expression rather than for swearing in the sense of making a promise.

First known use

1833

1833, in the meaning defined above