Definition

Noun: 1. Vulgar, obscene, or blasphemous language: Speech that is offensive, especially because it involves swearing or shows disrespect for sacred things. 2. The quality of being profane: The state or character of being irreverent or disrespectful toward something considered sacred or holy.

Usage

• Profanity is an uncountable noun when referring to the general concept or use of such language (e.g., "The film contains a lot of profanity").
• It can be a countable noun when referring to a specific instance or word (e.g., "He shouted a profanity").
• It is often used in formal or academic contexts to discuss offensive language in media, law, or social behavior.

Examples

• As an uncountable noun (general concept):
  • The comedian's routine was criticized for its excessive profanity.
  • Many broadcasting networks have strict rules against profanity on daytime television.
  • She was shocked by the level of profanity used in the argument.
• As a countable noun (specific instance):
  • He muttered a profanity under his breath when he dropped the hammer on his foot.
  • The book was banned for its profanities and controversial themes.

Advanced Usage

• "To utter profanity": To swear or say offensive words.
  • The frustrated driver began to utter profanity at the traffic jam.
• In legal and sociological contexts, profanity is distinguished from related concepts like obscenity (which is often more specifically related to sexual content) and blasphemy (which specifically shows contempt for God or sacred things).

Variants and Related Words

• Profane (adjective): Showing disrespect for God or sacred things; secular rather than religious.
  • He used profane language.
  • They turned the sacred ground into a profane marketplace.
• Profane (verb): To treat something sacred with irreverence or disrespect.
  • They were accused of profaning the temple.
• Profaneness (noun): The state or quality of being profane.

Synonyms

• Swearing
• Cursing
• Blasphemy (specifically religious)
• Obscenity (often with a sexual connotation)
• Vulgarity
• Expletives

Antonyms

• Piety
• Reverence
• Devotion
• Decorum

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A stream/torrent of profanity": A continuous flow of swear words.
  • He let out a stream of profanity when he saw the damage to his car.
• "To be laced with profanity": To contain many swear words.
  • His speech was laced with profanity, offending many in the audience.

Noun

1. vulgar or irreverent speech or action