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v-word

v-word

9.9
A word people avoid saying because it is rude or about violence
  • noun
  • NSFW
translation icon : palabra con v
  • Some parents forbid their children from saying the v-word at home.

Examples

  • He couldn't believe she had said the v-word on live television.

  • To maintain a respectful atmosphere, the moderator reminded everyone to avoid the v-word.

  • The teacher avoided using the v-word during the classroom discussion.

  • The discussion included a mention of the v-word.

  • He used a v-word during the heated debate.

  • During the meeting, she referred to the v-word to discuss its impact on youth culture.

  • His use of the v-word in casual conversation surprised many at the party.

Synonyms

dirty word
vsv-word
  • NSFW
18 7.1

A word people think is rude or not polite

is used as a polite placeholder instead of saying the offensive term
curse word
vsv-word
  • Offensive
8 5.8

A rude word people say to show strong anger or surprise

functions as a euphemistic reference instead of uttering the profane phrase
naughty word
vsv-word
  • Offensive
1 6.1

A rude word that is not for children

refers indirectly to more serious taboo language rather than mild child warnings
vulgarism
vsv-word
  • Offensive
1 9.2

An offensive or rude word considered inappropriate in polite speech

refers indirectly to such language rather than stating it directly
swearword
vsv-word
  • Offensive
1 7.2

A rude word people say when they are angry or surprised

serves as an indirect substitute rather than shouting the profane word
cussword
vsv-word
  • Offensive
1 8.6

A rude word people use when angry or to insult someone

serves as an indirect label rather than saying the rude insult directly
vulgar term
vsv-word
  • Offensive
9.8

A rude word about sex or body parts

avoids naming those crude expressions, using an indirect substitute

How Offensive

to slur
  • Offensive
1 7.7
obscene
  • Offensive
33 6.2
vulgar term
  • Offensive
9.8
v-word
  • NSFW
9.9
euphemism
46 6.1
polite
329 1.0

Surface Forms

v-word singular
v-words plural

Morphology

v-word = v + word (semi-transparent) = v + word

Formally transparent as 'v' + 'word' (pattern like 'the F-word'), but it functions as a euphemism requiring pragmatic/cultural knowledge to recover the taboo referent.

Etymology

V-word is a polite way to avoid saying a sensitive word, where the letter v stands for the real word, often 'violence' or 'vulgar', much like people say the 'F-word' instead of a rude word. So calling something the v-word lets people talk about it without using the actual word.