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1. Taboo and Swear Words
Since taboo and swear words are originally from the practices considered taboo, it is necessary to dig out the concept of taboo as the notional basic of the
whole discussion in this thesis. In fact, there is no certain author who is capable in defining what taboo is appropriately. However, some authors notice that taboo
spelled „tabu‟ in Melanesian is originally from Tongan, which etymologically intends “sacred, set apart for God, kings, priest, or chiefs, and therefore prohibited
for general use Hughes, 2006, p. 462. The concept of taboo is developed by adapting the cultural context which
influences culture and society. The context brings the moral value which is accepted and implanted within a society. Consequently, the present perception of
taboo is distinguished from the context in which the word has been accepted by the society.
Freud 2004 states that taboo is a Polynesian word in which the translation is difficult to find because people no longer possess the concept it connotes p.
21. Yet, Freud delivers two contrary directions that taboo diverges: „sacred‟ or „consecrated‟, and „uncanny‟, „dangerous‟, „forbidden‟, or „unclean‟. Chiefly, he
notes that taboo in Polynesian is called „noa‟, which means common or generally accessible, thereby bringing something unapproachable and principally expressed
in prohibitions and restrictions p. 21. The c ollocation of „holy dread‟ is usually
uttered coincides with in this meaning. Moreover, as Freud claims, taboo restrictions are distinct from religious or moral prohibitions because they aim to
impose themselves on their own account rather than any divine ordinance p. 21. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
12 Turning out from the context that Freud explains above, some experts offer
other opinions related to the definition of taboo. Hughes admits that taboos come into the varying prohibitions and restrictions in all kinds of societies 2006, p.
462. In other words, the distinction of cultures in distinct region leads taboos to fall into different understandings. Hughes develops the definition of taboos by
considering the aspects in the manifestation of taboos: things, creatures, human experiences, conditions, deeds and words. However, those manifestations still
support the impression of taboos which ought to be avoided and strictly speaking. In further explanation, Hughes only notes the prohibitions of taboos and the
re asons why taboos are considered simply “offensive” rather than “strictly
forbidden”. The forbidden things increasingly disappear across the time and spheres.
Swearing is one of the language issues which exists in society daily conversation although some people may consider it as taboo and unacceptable to
use. People all probably have a few things they refuse to talk about and still others they do not talk about directly. They may have some words we know but never
use because they are too emotional for either them or others Austin, 1962. However, it cannot be refused that swearing is the part of linguistics which is also
useful for language learning. According to Mercury 1995, it is still useful for the learners to understand, for practical reasons, why a speaker would choose to use
obscenities and when she or he would choose not to. There are three major kinds of swear words‟ interpretation found in the
society‟s communication. Keith Allan and Kate Burridge 2006, p. 4 state the PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
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