The history of swear words - SHIT

The history of 
swear words 
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Slide 1: Slide
EngelsMiddelbare schoolvmbo t, mavoLeerjaar 1-4

This lesson contains 27 slides, with interactive quizzes, text slides and 1 video.

time-iconLesson duration is: 45 min

Items in this lesson

The history of 
swear words 

Slide 1 - Slide

Why do people swear?

Slide 2 - Mind map

What are some of the good things and bad thing about swearing?

Slide 3 - Mind map

Which English swear
words do you know?

Slide 4 - Mind map

Why is it useful to know
about English swear words?

Slide 5 - Mind map


  • Swearing is not inherently "bad" but we need to be careful when we use it. 
  • It is important to know swear words because they are common. 
  • 0,7% of words used daily are swear words (that's the same percent as we, us, our, ours) 
Swearing in English

Slide 6 - Slide



- People swear for many different reasons:
  • social bonds
  • pain relief
  • stress relief
  • expression
  • to offend/shock 


- Swear words can be: 
  • verbs (werkwoorden)
  • nouns (zelfstandige nw)
  • adjectives (bijv. nw)
  • adverbs (bijwoorden)
  • interjections (tussenwerpsel) 
Swearing in English

Slide 7 - Slide

- People who swear are often: 
  • more intelligent;
  • more creative

- Some scientists believe all language evolved from swearing 
- Swearing acts as a release of emotion - the same as crying or laughing 
Swearing in English

Slide 8 - Slide

- Not all swearing intended to be offensive. Sometimes it is for fun. Sometimes it is expressive; 

- You will hear swear words often when you travel, as well as in movies, music and books: 
  • Even classic works contain profanity (godslastering) 

Swearing in English

Slide 9 - Slide

Slide 10 - Video

- However, sometimes it is not acceptable: - 
  • In formal situations 
  • Near children 
  • With people you don't know

- It is useful to know English swear words, but be careful when you use them! 

Swearing in English

Slide 11 - Slide

- There is a definite hierarchy of swear words: - 
  • almost always inappropriate 
  • usually inappropriate
  • occasionally inappropriate 
  • rarely inappropriate 
- Swear words rank from very strong to very mild 
  • This changes over time as they become more or less offensive


Swearing in English
- There is a definite hierarchy of swear words: -
  • almost always inappropriate (bijna altijd)
  • usually inappropriate (meestal)  
  • occasionally inappropriate (soms) 
  • rarely inappropriate (bijna nooit)

- Swear words rank from very strong to very mild
  • This changes over time as they become more or less offensive

Slide 12 - Slide

- Generally, it is unacceptable to use words that are intended to denigrate a group of people: - 
  • Racial slurs 
  • Sexist terms 
  • Homophobic words
- If you are unsure of these words, don't use them. 
  • It can hurt people and sometimes it's even illegal 
Swearing in English

Slide 13 - Slide

Who do you think swears most?
Younger people
Older peole

Slide 14 - Poll

How do you feel about swearing in popular culture (movies, TV, books)?
😒🙁😐🙂😃

Slide 15 - Poll

How do you think swearing is different in your culture compared with other cultures?

Slide 16 - Open question


  • Etymology - woordafleiding
  • (in)offensive - (niet)beledigend 
  • Manure - mest/bemesten 
  • High brow jokes - grappen met dubbelzinnigheid 
  • Low brow jokes - grappen die makkelijk te begrijpen zijn
  • Parental advisory  - ouderlijk toezicht 
Before watching

Slide 17 - Slide

Watch the SHIT-episode of The History of Swear Words (Netflix). 

Slide 18 - Slide

- Get a piece of paper & a pencil/pen; 
- You get 10 minutes to answer the following question in Dutch (klas 1) and in English (klas 2 & 3): 

  • What is the difference between being shitty and being the shit?
  • What does ‘getting your shit together’ mean?
  • Do you think ‘shit’ is an offensive swear word? Why (not)?
  • What did you think of this documentary?
After watching

Slide 19 - Slide

What is the difference between being shitty and being the shit?

Slide 20 - Open question

What does 'getting your shit together' mean?

Slide 21 - Open question

Do you think 'shit' is an offensive swear word?

Slide 22 - Open question

What do you think is an offensive swear word? (can be either Dutch or English)

Slide 23 - Open question

What did you think of this documentary?

Slide 24 - Open question


  • Some words are unacceptable because they are used to denigrate a group of people.
  • If you are unsure of these words, don’t use them.

Some thoughts

Slide 25 - Slide

What is your most used swear word?

Slide 26 - Open question

What do you think is the best swear word?

Slide 27 - Open question