obscene

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "obscene" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is offensive or shocking to the senses. For example, "The lyrics of the song were so obscene that the radio station refused to play it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a crime under the Act to send "by means of a public electronic communications network" a message or other material that is "grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character".

The Guardian - Books

Makes curb-crawling, "hit and runs" and the importation of indecent and obscene material arrestable offences.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is in the UK promoting his book, More Human, which argues that ordinary people feel shut out of policy-making and increasingly frustrated with the "obscene" pay of those at the very top of companies, which can lead to a dangerous anti-business mood.

The Guardian - Business

By the middle of the century as much as half the planet could be "water insecure"; letting cows and sheep drink what's left will seem obscene.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The males squatted like toads in front of them making faces and obscene gestures" ("Femme Fatale", 1881).

The Guardian - Books

Spero recycled the anguished outpourings by the poet Antonin Artaud: terrified recollections of electric shock therapy, crazed railings against God and the universe, delirious streams of obscene "fecal poetry".

The Guardian - Arts

And I remember the rehearsal dinner was at this Western-style steakhouse, and there were big plates of glistening steaks; it was just obscene.

The Guardian

Unless the Saudi supreme court intervenes, this obscene ritual will be repeated month after month until he has received 1,000 lashes for the "crime" of setting up a website to champion free speech.

The Guardian - Opinion

"People were keen to talk about Greece, keen to talk about productivity and all sorts of things, but not actually about that obscene gap between the rich and the rest".

The Guardian

The first two charges were dropped but Schiele was convicted of the third as the police had found a large quantity of "obscene" drawings and alleged that the children he used as models would have seen these.

The Guardian - Arts

The independent Vermont senator Bernie Sanders has said he will run for president as a Democrat, promising to fight what he deems "obscene levels" of income disparity and a campaign finance system that is a "real disgrace".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider more nuanced language when needing to convey offense or distaste without wanting to shock.

Common error

Avoid using "obscene" to describe something that is merely unpleasant or annoying. Reserve it for situations where the offense is truly significant and deeply disturbing; otherwise, you risk diluting its impact and sounding hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The word "obscene" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is deeply offensive or shocking. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in expressing strong disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Arts

10%

Opinion

8%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obscene" is an adjective used to describe something profoundly offensive or shocking, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its grammatical function is to modify nouns, and its primary purpose is to express strong disapproval or outrage. While the term is versatile, it appears most frequently in News & Media, Arts and Opinion contexts, though its formality can shift depending on the use case. Remember to wield this powerful term carefully, reserving it for truly offensive scenarios to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offensive

Focuses on the act of causing displeasure or resentment, broader than just moral offense.

indecent

Highlights a lack of conformity to accepted standards of morality or good taste, slightly milder.

vulgar

Emphasizes crudeness or lack of refinement in expression or taste.

disgusting

Focuses on provoking revulsion or strong disapproval.

revolting

Similar to disgusting, but with a stronger emphasis on causing intense aversion.

repulsive

Highlights the quality of causing intense dislike or disgust.

shocking

Focuses on causing surprise and often disapproval or outrage.

outrageous

Emphasizes the quality of being shockingly bad or excessive.

immoral

Highlights a violation of accepted moral principles.

profane

Emphasizes irreverence or disrespect towards sacred things.

FAQs

How is "obscene" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "obscene" typically refers to content that lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value and appeals to prurient interests. The definition can vary based on jurisdiction.

What are some synonyms for "obscene" that are less intense?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "offensive", "indecent", "vulgar", or "disgusting" to describe something objectionable.

Is there a difference between "obscene" and "pornographic"?

"Obscene" is a broader term that encompasses anything deeply offensive, while "pornographic" specifically refers to sexually explicit material intended to cause arousal. Pornography may be considered "obscene", but not all "obscene" material is necessarily pornographic.

How has the meaning of "obscene" changed over time?

The meaning of "obscene" has evolved with changing social and cultural norms. What was considered "obscene" in the past may not be considered so today, and vice versa, reflecting shifts in societal values and sensibilities.