Context:

Research analyzing over 1.7 billion words from online language across 20 English-speaking regions reveals that Americans and Brits swear more frequently than Australians, despite the latter's reputation for prolific swearing. The study, utilizing the Global Web-Based English corpus, found that vulgar words constitute a small percentage of overall vocabulary but are used by a significant portion of users, with 'fuck' being the most common. Cultural attitudes towards swearing vary, with Americans showing a preference for 'ass(hole)' and avoiding 'bloody', while Australians are more comfortable with public swearing but use it less creatively online. Swearing is prevalent in English-dominant countries, with Singapore ranking high despite its strict public language rules, highlighting swearing's role in identity and expression. The research emphasizes that swearing serves vital communicative functions, building social bonds, expressing emotions, and even contributing to humor and societal solidarity, rather than being merely offensive language.

Dive Deeper:

• An analysis of online language across 20 English-speaking regions showed that Americans and Brits swear more frequently than Australians, contradicting the stereotype of Australians as the most prolific swearers.

• The Global Web-Based English corpus was used to examine swearing without social media influence, finding that vulgar words, though rare overall, are used by a significant number of individuals, with 'fuck' being the most prevalent word.

• Cultural attitudes towards swearing reveal that Americans, despite their conservative public morality, frequently use swear words like 'ass(hole)' but avoid 'bloody', reflecting strong individualistic values and private expression.

• In contrast, Australians are more open to public swearing, exemplified by slogans like 'If you drink, then drive, you’re a bloody idiot', yet they tend to use less creative swearing online, showing a divergence in public and private swearing habits.

• Swearing is common in countries where English is the dominant language, with Singapore ranking surprisingly high in swearing frequency, illustrating its role in asserting identity and pushing back against authority, especially among the youth.

• The study notes that swearing, often omitted from language education, serves important social functions beyond being offensive, such as building rapport, expressing emotions, and easing tension, thus maintaining its prevalence despite societal disapproval.

• Swearing acts as a social glue, providing a means for individuals to connect, express emotions, and navigate cultural norms, as seen in various English-speaking countries with differing preferences and attitudes towards specific swear words.