Definition of Terms INTRODUCTION
11 addressee shocked or angry. Akmajian, Derner, Farmer, and Harnish 2001 state
that taboo words are the words that should not be said when the speaker and the listenerthe addressee in a formal situation. It means to avoid any
misunderstanding, people should not speak any taboo words that can make the listenerthe addressee shocked especially in a formal conversation. Allan and
Burridge 2006 state that taboo words arise in cases where the individual‟s acts
can cause discomfort, harm or injury to himself or herself and to others. From those statements, it can be concluded taboo words are completely prohibited in
formal conversations. Most people exactly want to have more friends, not enemies. If someone uses taboo words in formal situation, heshe will make the
listenerthe addressee shocked and maybe will make the listenerthe addressee hates the speaker.
Normally, the definition of a taboo is just the same, but in several cultures the definition might be different. Allan and Burridge 2006 state that sometimes a
community recognizes a taboo, while others not. That statement is similar to Fakuade 2003 that states that the level of taboo words prevention in every
language is different because each culture has different cultural views and beliefs. That means the “taboo” point of view from one culture may be different from
another culture, although they have similar taboo words. Trudgill 1974 observes that western culture makes some words that have
relation to sex, excretion, and Christian religion as taboo. Taboo words which are related to religion become severe because they are related to supernatural things.
Some words examples are damn, and Jesus Christ. Then, words that are related to
12 sex become taboo because they usually used to insult sexual orientation or sexual
habit. Some examples of this expressions are fuck, pussy, and dick. Then, taboo words which denote body function and excretion also become the strongest words
since they incite the feeling of disgust due to the fact that some irresistible diseases can be carried from one person to another via body excretion, for the
examples are shit and asshole. People who use taboo words usually have a certain reason to utter the
taboo words. Wardhaugh 2006 states that taboo words have some functions like to draw attention to oneself, to show contempt, to provoke, and to mock authority,
and below are the description of those functions completed along with the examples.
a. To Draw Attention to Oneself
Sometimes, people want to get attention if they are talking with someone. Mc Guire 1973 states that the speakers should gain the interest through the use
of strong, powerful language whose connotation can stimulate an instant reaction from the audience. Therefore, people may use taboo words to get the
listener‟sthe addressee‟s attention because of its strong connotation. b.
To Show Contempt Taboo words can be functioned to show contempt. Contempt means the
impression when a person is totally useless and ignored. Therefore, people may use taboo words to insult the listenerthe addressee by using taboo words that can
offend the listener‟sthe addressee‟s pride.
13 c.
To Provoke Fitzgerald 2007 states that verbal obscenity can be the most efficient
symbolic process offered to someone intended for inviting chaotic reaction. That statement is relevant that taboo words have function to provoke someone. Taboo
words can be very provocative because of its strong connotation, so people may use taboo words to provoke someone.
d. To Mock Authority
People m a y use taboo words when they want to deliver their protest against governments or country institutions. McGuire 1973 states that verbal
communication can be used as a rebellion against power. In other words, people used taboo words because they want to express their disappointment about reality
that different from what they have expected.