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KALW's broadcast is pre-recorded until Tuesday, September 22nd, as we transition our operations to The People's Studio. Until then, some of our regular programming will be disrupted.

The Impoverished State of English Profanity

Taboo words are those reserved for situations where an expression of shock is required. Words describing body parts and bodily functions set the standard for shocking language in english. What the language lacks is a strong grounding in profanity.

Copyright 2006 NPR

John Ciardi