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Very Bad Words

Very Bad Words

Written by: Matt Fidler
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 As long as there’s been language, there have been forbidden words. What gives these words their power? Why are they considered “bad”? Producer and Host, Matt Fidler, reaches out to experts, linguists, and historians to explore these words and their cultural significance. From diving into specific bad words to exploring what language has the “worst curses”, Matt weaves personal stories and interviews to help shed light on the power of very bad words.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes
  • 39: Euphemisms

    39: Euphemisms
    Jun 6 2018

    Certain topics in our society aren’t considered proper to talk about. To make it easier to talk about such sensitive subjects, we have invented terms that dance around the issues, instead of facing them directly.

    Join me and guests, Steven Pinker, Phyllis Sommer and Kate Burridge as we dig into euphemisms.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    32 mins
  • 38: Minicast - The "D" Word

    38: Minicast - The "D" Word
    May 30 2018
    In this week's minicast, Matt reflects on a death that is close to him and how we use or don't use words about "dead". We talk a little with Rabbi Physllis Sommer to help explain.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    6 mins
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