the j-word
- noun
- NSFW
:
la palabra con j
- Some newspapers avoid printing the j-word to prevent stirring controversy.
Examples
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We should be careful not to say the j-word during this presentation.
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Many people find the j-word to be offensive.
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He was criticized for using the j-word publicly, even out of context.
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We should avoid using the j-word in our discussions.
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Many organizations choose to avoid the j-word to maintain a respectful dialogue.
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During the meeting, several participants agreed that using the j-word was inappropriate.
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In sensitive topics, it is better to refer to the j-word indirectly to prevent offending others.
How Direct
Surface Forms
Morphology
the + j-word
The construction 'the J-word' is compositionally built from the letter 'J' plus 'word', so a learner who knows those constituents can infer it refers to a word beginning with J. However, the euphemistic/pragmatic sense (that it denotes a sensitive, offensive or controversial term without naming it) depends on discourse conventions and cultural knowledge rather than pure lexical composition. Because the literal parts signal the placeholder but the taboo/euphemistic use requires extra pragmatic knowledge, this is best classified as semi-transparent.
Etymology
The phrase the j-word comes from people saying the letter j and the part word instead of saying the real, offensive word. By saying the j-word they keep the original word out of speech, so today it means 'a sensitive or offensive word you do not want to say'.