The history of swear words - SHIT

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

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The history of 
swear words 

Slide 1 - Diapositive

Why do people swear?

Slide 2 - Carte mentale

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

Slide 3 - Carte mentale

Which English swear
words do you know?

Slide 4 - Carte mentale


  • 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 5 - Diapositive



- 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 6 - Diapositive

- 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 7 - Diapositive

- 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 8 - Diapositive

- 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 9 - Diapositive

- 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 10 - Diapositive

Who do you think swears most?
Younger people
Older peole

Slide 11 - Sondage

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

Slide 12 - Sondage


  • 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 13 - Diapositive

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

Slide 14 - Diapositive

- Get a piece of paper & a pencil/pen if you like; 
- You get 5 minutes to answer the following question in English: 

  • 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
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5:00

Slide 15 - Diapositive