gutter language

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gutter language" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe crude, vulgar, or offensive language that is considered inappropriate or low-class. Example: "The movie was filled with gutter language that made it unsuitable for children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Meeting with ironworkers last summer, he shared a rare expression of regret, saying he was initially ashamed of using gutter language.

The New York Times

"My nephew, as was I, totally taken aback by his, MR MITCHELLS' behaviour and the gutter language he used, especially it appeared directed at the police officers.

The Economist

They are all C.I.A. agents who speak in schoolboy gutter language and worry that if the arms race falters, lobbyists and industrialists will take a commercial loss.

The New York Times

Writing on his blog on the Bravo site the day the episode ran, Mr. Colicchio apologized for "the gutter language," which he deemed "excessive".

The New York Times - Food

As Mr. Yeltsin's tough-guy prime minister, he made a stir by threatening Chechen guerrillas with gutter language: "If we catch them in the toilet, we'll rub them out in the outhouse".

The New York Times

When he returned home he sent an email at 9.52pm to his MP, the then deputy chief whip John Randall, in which he said he was disgusted to hear Mitchell use "gutter language" and show "yobbish and loutish behaviour" towards police officers.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Kasar language is increasingly considered something like "gutter speech" (ok between teenage friends, probably a little too "coarse" for others).

The Economist

But the way Mamet writes, there's a poetry of the gutter in this language that few others explore".

The New York Times

But most of all it told this story in a deeply American language: a gutter growl leavened (and toughened) by ethnic self-consciousness, embittered by money's inability to make one belong.

The Guardian - Books

The result is a 3D AI-hologram version of Gutter that uses natural language processing to answer questions in real time.

Vice

Pinter, according to David Hare, "cleaned the gutters of the English language".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics, consider whether "gutter language" is appropriate for your audience and context. If not, opt for more neutral or formal terms like "vulgar language" or "offensive speech."

Common error

Avoid using "gutter language" gratuitously in your writing or speech simply to shock or offend. Ensure its use serves a specific purpose, such as character development or highlighting social issues, and is not merely a substitute for wit or creativity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gutter language" is as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig provides examples where it describes the type of language used in specific situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gutter language" is a noun phrase referring to crude, vulgar, or offensive language. Ludwig's analysis indicates that while grammatically correct, the appropriateness of using this phrase depends heavily on the context and audience. It's most frequently found in news and media sources and is used to describe speech considered socially unacceptable or morally objectionable. While it's important to accurately depict language, consider the impact of using or describing "gutter language" and whether alternative, less offensive terms, such as "vulgar language" or "crude language", might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulgar language

Emphasizes the lack of refinement and social acceptability.

crude language

Highlights the lack of sophistication and polish in the speech.

obscene language

Focuses on the offensive and morally objectionable nature of the words used.

profane language

Stresses the irreverent and disrespectful quality of the speech, particularly towards sacred things.

foul language

Implies a disgusting and unpleasant quality to the words.

offensive language

Highlights the potential to cause hurt feelings or outrage.

indecent language

Focuses on the inappropriateness of the language in a given social context.

coarse language

Emphasizes the lack of refinement and good taste.

low language

Suggests that the language is of a socially inferior quality.

street language

Highlights the association with urban and potentially criminal environments.

FAQs

What does "gutter language" mean?

"Gutter language" refers to crude, vulgar, or offensive language, often considered inappropriate for formal settings or polite conversation.

What can I say instead of "gutter language"?

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

Is "gutter language" always inappropriate?

While generally considered inappropriate in formal settings, "gutter language" can be used intentionally in creative works to depict certain characters or social situations authentically. Context is key.

How can I identify "gutter language"?

"Gutter language" typically involves words or phrases that are considered taboo, sexually explicit, or otherwise highly offensive to many people. It often includes slurs, profanities, and vulgar slang.