tabu

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'tabu' (sometimes spelled as 'taboo') is correct and usable in written English.
It is a loanword from the Polynesian language and refers to something that is prohibited or forbidden in a given society or culture. Example: In some cultures, it is considered tabu to talk about death or to mention the name of a deceased person.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Similarly, the Polynesian tapu ("tabu") designated something as not "free" for common use.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whatever was tabu had special restrictions around it, for it was full of extraordinary energy that could destroy anyone unprotected with special power himself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Taboo, also spelled tabu, Tongan tabu, Maori tapu, the prohibition of an action based on the belief that such behaviour is either too sacred and consecrated or too dangerous and accursed for ordinary individuals to undertake.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Avoidance is a term that better describes the negative ritual; the Polynesian word tabu (English, taboo) also has become popular as a descriptive term for this kind of ritual.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After Ashima (Tabu), a beautiful young woman from Calcutta, marries the gentle university researcher Ashoke Ganguli (Irfan Khan) and relocates to New Jersey, she stands silently in her suburban kitchen; the magic of Lahiri's depiction of the strangeness of a new culture is mostly gone.

The New Yorker

"Tabu": Love and colonialism, or, can Europeans live well when their countries do good?

The New Yorker

He later directed the Hindi star Tabu in "Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities" (2004).

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

IN A dingy, garage-sized dance studio behind the national theatre in Kampala, Uganda's capital, a dance troupe called Tabu-Flo is hard at work.

The Economist

In Tabu-Flo's interpretation, two night dancers are confronted by the community after they eat a corpse.

The Economist

After London Tabu-Flo hopes to compete in the world hip-hop dance championships, to be held in Las Vegas in July.

The Economist

Perhaps the best advertisement for Tabu-Flo is that it has achieved local celebrity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "tabu" can effectively highlight culturally sensitive topics; be mindful of the specific audience and avoid using the term casually.

Common error

Avoid using "tabu" without understanding the cultural context; this can lead to unintended offense or miscommunication. Always research the origins and implications of the prohibition.

Linguistic Context

The word "tabu" functions primarily as a noun or verb, denoting something that is forbidden or restricted due to cultural or religious beliefs. Ludwig AI shows it is used to indicate actions or subjects avoided due to social conventions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "tabu", sometimes spelled "taboo", is a grammatically sound and usable English word that originates from Polynesian languages. It refers to actions or subjects that are culturally or religiously forbidden. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various domains, including encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications. While not exceedingly common, using "tabu" enriches discussions about cultural sensitivities and prohibitions, as long as it is employed accurately and respectfully. Consider alternatives like "forbidden" or "prohibited" depending on the context to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forbidden

Focuses on the act of prohibiting something, often by authority or rule.

prohibited

Similar to "forbidden", highlighting the legal or official restriction.

outlawed

Emphasizes the illegal status of something.

banned

Indicates a formal or official prohibition, often temporary.

verboten

A loanword (German) that implies a strong prohibition, often in a formal setting.

off-limits

Suggests that something is restricted or inaccessible.

unacceptable

Indicates that something does not meet the required standards or norms.

sacrosanct

Highlights something that is inviolable or immune from criticism.

inadmissible

Indicates something that cannot be allowed or tolerated, often in a legal or formal context.

restricted

Implies limited access or use.

FAQs

How can I use "tabu" in a sentence?

You can use "tabu" to describe something that is forbidden or culturally restricted. For example: "In some societies, certain topics are considered "tabu" to discuss in public."

What's the difference between "tabu" and "forbidden"?

"Tabu" often refers to prohibitions rooted in cultural or religious beliefs, while "forbidden" generally describes something prohibited by rules or laws. The term "forbidden" often implies an explicit external regulation or authority.

What can I say instead of "tabu"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "forbidden", "prohibited", or "off-limits".

Is it appropriate to use the word "tabu" in formal writing?

Yes, "tabu" is appropriate in formal writing as long as it's used accurately and with respect for the cultural context. Its usage is widespread across various academic and journalistic contexts.