taboo
39
5.2
- adjective
- /təˈbu/
:
tabú
- In most classrooms, taboo issues and topics are buried under an indigestible mass of facts, stories, and skills.
- a taboo topic
- a taboo subject
- a taboo issue
So the fact that that topic is still taboo is crazy to me.
- So the fact that that topic is still taboo is crazy to me.
- If it was hidden or forbidden or taboo, put your phone up.
- In America, It's it's so taboo to even talk about it.
- It's certainly now less taboo to talk about it.
- Sounds really sort of risque, taboo, kind of sexy.
- And so people think it's taboo or forbidden because it's men dressing up as women.
- Is that what makes it seem more taboo?
- Yeah, again, back in the day it was really taboo.
- But I do believe that like, female sexual health shouldn't be taboo.
- There's a lot of room to have amazing discussions that I think are pretty taboo in like most office settings.
- So it's now much less taboo, but it still has, I think, challenges within mainstream.
- Well, I mean, of course they're going to go for the the drug humor won't be taboo.
Examples
-
In some societies, talking about death is still regarded as taboo and avoided in conversation.
-
I never told them because mental illness has always been taboo in Asian households like my own.
-
It's certainly now less taboo to talk about it.
-
That is not as taboo as it used to be.
-
It's a taboo subject, but it's so important.
-
Majority decisions in international policy cannot be treated as taboo any longer.
Academic text (1995) -
Sexual behavior should not be a taboo subject for social research.
Academic text (1993) -
We believe that it is essential for teachers and students in schools to explore taboo topics.
Academic text (2000) -
Could there be a way to reimagine how we provide education on such taboo topics?
-
Teachers play a critical role in stifling or promoting the discussion of taboo topics.
Academic text (2000)
Synonyms
102
4.6
Not allowed to enter, use, or talk about
96
3.2
Not allowed by law, rules, or custom
66
6.3
Not allowed by law or social rules
7
9.2
Not allowed by rules or by social custom
6
7.7
Not allowed by rules, laws, or official standards
4
7.9
Too embarrassing or not allowed to talk about
1
6.4
Too delicate for people to touch
1
3.7
Not allowed by law or by an authority
Not allowed by law or by people in charge
Not allowed by law or by people in charge
Forbidden because of religious or social rules
A topic people avoid talking about because it is taboo or painful
So offensive that people do not say it
Antonyms
How Forbidden
Surface Forms
Etymology
Taboo comes from the Polynesian tapu, which meant 'forbidden' or 'sacred' and was used for things people must not touch or speak about. That's why when something is taboo it is considered not allowed by custom.