expletive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expletive" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an exclamatory word or phrase, often one that is considered profane or vulgar. Example: "He let out an expletive when he stubbed his toe on the furniture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

When Labour HQ called its Manchester leader, Richard Leese, and asked him to bad-mouth Osborne's speech, he is said to have told them to get lost, with an expletive.

The Guardian

But the poor girl can't even watch a Chicago Bulls game without hissing an expletive whenever the TV shows Rose calmly draining a foul shot.

The Guardian - Sport

HIS name has become a sort of expletive, just because he headed a government commission that has blown a hole in Germany's cherished social safety net.

The Economist

With his Afghanistan remark, Mr Abbott has at least managed to end the taboo on using a certain expletive in Australian broadsheets' headlines.

The Economist

Dynasty is a political expletive in a country wary of inherited privilege.

The Economist

The Dominican designated hitter is a longtime fan favourite, known as much for his colourful personality his use of an expletive in a nationally televised pregame speech to describe the city's resilience following the Boston Marathon bombings elicited a supportive Tweet from the Federal Communications Commission—as for his remarkable clutch hitting.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But the electorate – and I am not just talking about the young – is now engaged via social media in a filthy, heart-thumping, expletive-generating debate about everything else.

The Guardian - Opinion

Radio 1 will put up signs in singers' dressing rooms warning them they will be dropped from its live coverage if they swear following controversy over Lily Allen's expletive-ridden performance at its Big Weekend event.

The Guardian

Earlwolf set off car alarms and shook portaloos with their bass-heavy, expletive-laden set, and Friday night headliner Skrillex managed to work up a predictable hubbub over at the NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage, but nothing prepared Reading goers for the mayhem that ensued at Chase and Status's Saturday night main stage show.

The Guardian - Music

Related: TfL boss apologises for expletive-ridden description of commuter train services The cause of the power failure has yet to be identified by Network Rail, which said it expected to have all lines working before the evening rush hour but warned that the earlier disruption would have knock-on effects for the rest of the day.

The Guardian

Half an hour later an ambulance pulls into the bay and as the back doors open, the slurred and expletive-filled demands of a man on a stretcher can be heard.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, use "expletives" sparingly and authentically to reflect a character's personality or emotional state. Overuse can detract from the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using the term "expletive" as a direct substitute for specific swear words in formal writing. Instead, use it to describe the category of words being used.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "expletive" is as a noun, referring to a profane or vulgar word. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe instances of swearing or offensive language, as reported in news and media.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "expletive" functions primarily as a noun denoting a profane or vulgar word, often used in contexts involving offensive language. As indicated by Ludwig, its usage spans from news reporting to encyclopedic definitions, maintaining a neutral register. Ludwig AI indicates that the term is grammatically correct, and is mostly employed in “News & Media” contexts. While not inherently offensive, it references language considered taboo, making careful and context-aware usage important. Common synonyms include "swear word" and "curse word".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

swear word

Focuses specifically on the offensive nature of the word.

curse word

Highlights the cursing aspect and potential offensiveness.

profanity

A more formal term for offensive language.

cuss word

An informal term for a swear word.

profane term

Emphasizes the irreverent or disrespectful nature of the language.

oath

Emphasizes the use of a word as a solemn declaration, often offensive.

obscenity

Highlights the offensive or indecent nature of the word.

offensive language

A general term for language considered rude or inappropriate.

filler word

Focuses on the function of the word as a placeholder without semantic meaning.

interjection

Highlights the grammatical function of the word as an exclamation.

FAQs

What is the definition of "expletive"?

An "expletive" is a profane or vulgar word, especially a curse or oath. It can also refer to a word without meaning added to fill a syntactic position.

How can I use "expletive" in a sentence?

You might say, "The comedian's routine was filled with "offensive language", including several "expletives".

What are some synonyms for "expletive"?

Some synonyms for "expletive" include "swear word", "curse word", and "profanity".

Is it appropriate to use "expletives" in formal writing?

Generally, no. "Expletives" are considered informal and often offensive, making them unsuitable for formal contexts. Consider using more neutral language or referring to "offensive language" in a general sense.