A Sociolinguistic Study of Gender-Based Variations in the Use of Imprecations

Abstract

This article explores the complexities involved in the sociolinguistic study of curse words, highlighting their deeply context-dependent nature. The research advances the field of imprecations by examining the frequency, contextual factors, and social effects of specific offensive expressions used by women. The principal aim is to identify the most common imprecations employed by women in American English. A secondary goal is to assess the communication gaps that the usage of such language may create, offering insights into misunderstandings that arise during interpersonal exchanges. Additionally, this research seeks to determine whether women are more likely to use imprecations during single-gender conversations or in mixed-gender contexts, thus contributing to broader understandings of gendered language use in contemporary society.