A good look at bad language 2005, ruth wajnryb points out that expletives are frequently uttered without. In general usage, an expletive is an exclamatory word or expression, often one thats profane or obscene. She dropped the book on her foot and let out a rowstring of expletives. Expletive definition of expletive by the free dictionary. An exclamation or oath, especially one that is profane, vulgar, or obscene. I almost never read letters to the editor, but this one in saturdays wapo got my attention it took sports columnist tony kornheiser to task for using the yiddish word fekockteh. Expletive definition of expletive by merriamwebster. At that time, expletive deleted entered the lexicon as an ironic reference to profanity. A good look at bad language 2005, ruth wajnryb points out that expletives are frequently uttered without addressing anyone specifically. The phrase expletive deleted refers to profanity which has been censored by the author or by a subsequent censor, usually appearing in place of the profanity. Expletive deleted it has been taboo for more than 500 years.
The phrase has been used for this purpose since at least the 1930s, but became more widely used in the united states after the watergate scandal. Read expletive deleted by ruth wajnryb for free with a 30 day free trial. The phrase expletive deleted refers to profanity which has been censored by the author or by a. Expletive definition in the cambridge english dictionary. Information and translations of expletive in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on. Explore free books, like the victory garden, and more browse now. If the cite book or citation templates are in use, you may add isbns. The great battles, eminent historians take on the great works of alternative history. But from fcuk to four weddings and a funeral, the fword has become so commonplace. Because you sold him out just to have a martyr, you expletive deleted. Expletive deleted by ruth wajnryb book read online scribd. It is easier to use an expletive than to think of an appropriate word. They moche doubted that they shold not fynde theyr counte ne tale. Instead she took words out of the presidents mouth, and the substitutionsthe expletive deleteds that fell as furiously as radio bleeps on a gangsta hitcame to define nixon as much as.
Wellwritten, humorous and fascinating, ruth wajnryb covers in her exploration of bad language everything from definitions of bad language what is a curse versus a swear versus an oath versus an expletive. Delete definition, to strike out or remove something written or printed. This phrase derives from the linguistic definition of. Expletive definition is a syllable, word, or phrase inserted to fill a vacancy as in a sentence or a metrical line without adding to the sense. Definition of expletive written for english language learners from the merriamwebster learners dictionary with audio pronunciations, usage examples, and countnoncount noun labels.
Definition and examples of expletives in english thoughtco. A good look at bad language and millions of other books are. I guess that puts the well that many use as the first word of an answer, and got when used. Expletive definition, an interjectory word or expression, frequently profane. Golden legend, william caxton 1483 expletive deleted. A good look at bad language from the worlds largest community of readers. Expletive definition for englishlanguage learners from. In expletive deleted, linguist ruth wajnryb offers an entertaining yet. I just finished this book seconds ago and am inspired to write essays about it.
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