Italian blasphemy and German ingenuity: how swear words differ around the world

The GuardianSunday, October 19, 2025 at 4:00:04 AM
Italian blasphemy and German ingenuity: how swear words differ around the world
A recent study highlights the fascinating differences in taboo words across cultures, revealing that while English and Spanish speakers list around 16 swear words, Germans have an impressive average of 53. This research challenges the notion that swearing is a sign of low intelligence, suggesting instead that the power of these words is often underestimated. Understanding these variations not only enriches our knowledge of language but also sheds light on cultural attitudes towards expression and communication.
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