gross language

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gross language" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe language that is offensive, vulgar, or inappropriate in a given context. Example: "The movie was criticized for its use of gross language that many found distasteful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Not in the way that so many teenage boys are, with their gross language about "boning" — you know, all the Brock Turners or medium-grade Brock Turners of the world.

The New Yorker

By exactly how much is hard to say, but one estimate, by James Foreman-Peck of Cardiff University, puts the "gross language effect" (the income foregone because language barriers alter and reduce international trade) in 2012 as high as £59 billion ($90 billion), or 3.5% of GDP.In the linguistic gloom, there are a few bright spots.

The Economist

"It actually sounds like you were born out of a f**king hermit crab... It's a gross language," she says in video footage.

HuffPost

The challenges were many, in particular, he says, was a gross language barrier -- he didn't speak Portuguese -- and the lack of consistent electricity in the Chicuque Rural Hospital, where his office was.

Huffington Post

For days our charity's twitter was hijacked and anyone who searched for us was met with gross language that I can only imagine what impression it left them with.

Huffington Post

"The doorman completely lost it and was vile to us, reacting like some kind of grizzly bear on speed, pushing my sister-in-law, spouting some of the the most gross language you have ever heard to my husband".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Scripts containing gross conduct, vulgar language, or stereotypes of women, minorities or the disabled are some reasons filmmakers couldn't use the UCLA name in the past, according to Jasper.

Los Angeles Times

At the time I was handling my career all by myself and had been for many, many years and then Instructions Not Included came out and it became the highest grossing Spanish language film ever worldwide.

Forbes

All three refused to accept the decoration, one of them expressing himself in the grossest possible language.

HuffPost

A College Humor video features all the "grossest words" in the English language.

The New Yorker

The first comprised developmental outcomes (gross motor, speech and language, and cognitive), and abnormal behavior.

BMC Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gross language" in your writing, consider your audience and the context. If the goal is to shock or offend, it might be appropriate, but otherwise, consider milder alternatives to effectively convey your message without alienating readers.

Common error

Avoid using "gross language" in formal or professional settings. While it may seem impactful, it often comes across as unprofessional and damages your credibility. Opt for more neutral and respectful alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gross language" functions as a descriptive term, modifying the noun "language" with the adjective "gross". It serves to categorize language based on its offensive, vulgar, or inappropriate nature. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, but users must be mindful of context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gross language" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe offensive, vulgar, or inappropriate language. Ludwig AI confirms this, and it is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While the term itself is neutral, it refers to content that is generally informal and should be used with consideration for the audience and context. Alternative phrases such as "vulgar language" or "offensive language" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulgar language

Emphasizes a lack of refinement or good taste in expression.

offensive language

Highlights the potential to cause hurt feelings or upset others.

crude language

Suggests a rough or unpolished form of expression.

foul language

Indicates the use of swear words or curses.

indecent language

Implies a violation of standards of propriety or morality in speech.

obscene language

Focuses on language that is sexually explicit or offensive.

profane language

Refers to irreverent or blasphemous speech.

vulgar terminology

Highlights the use of crude or unsophisticated terms.

lewd vocabulary

Emphasizes the use of sexually suggestive or offensive words.

explicit expression

Points to a clear and direct, but potentially offensive, mode of communication.

FAQs

What does "gross language" mean?

"Gross language" refers to language that is offensive, vulgar, or inappropriate. It often involves the use of swear words, sexually explicit terms, or other expressions considered distasteful.

What can I say instead of "gross language"?

You can use alternatives like "vulgar language", "offensive language", or "crude language" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "gross language" the same as "foul language"?

While similar, "gross language" encompasses a broader range of offensive or inappropriate expressions. "Foul language" specifically refers to the use of swear words or curses, whereas "gross language" can include other types of vulgar or distasteful terms.

How to determine if language is considered "gross"?

Whether language is considered "gross" depends heavily on the context, audience, and cultural norms. Expressions acceptable in one setting might be offensive in another. It's always best to consider the potential impact of your words and choose language that is appropriate for the situation.