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Nine Nasty Words

English in the Gutter: Then, Now, and Forever

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Nine Nasty Words

By: John McWhorter
Narrated by: John McWhorter
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About this listen

 A New York Times bestseller

One of the preeminent linguists of our time examines the realms of language that are considered shocking and taboo in order to understand what imbues curse words with such power--and why we love them so much.

Profanity has always been a deliciously vibrant part of our lexicon, an integral part of being human. In fact, our ability to curse comes from a different part of the brain than other parts of speech--the urgency with which we say "f&*k!" is instead related to the instinct that tells us to flee from danger.

Language evolves with time, and so does what we consider profane or unspeakable. Nine Nasty Words is a rollicking examination of profanity, explored from every angle: historical, sociological, political, linguistic. In a particularly coarse moment, when the public discourse is shaped in part by once-shocking words, nothing could be timelier. Linguistics Social Sciences Words, Language & Grammar English Language History

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All stars
Most relevant
So funny, so interesting, so clever, so erudite, so entertaining. Another ‘must read’ from John McWhorter!

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John McWhorter’s wry sense of humour and easy delivery make this not just insightful but entertaining in a way the written word just couldn’t manage. As a Lexicon Valley listener (his podcast) I enjoyed this full length spin-off to the original series tremendously. No prior experience necessary.

It’s changed my perspective on ‘certain words’ and given meaning to some of the friendly uses of his nine nasty words I’ve heard in the movies and living in Scotland and England over the past 50 or so years. I’ll forgive him for the odd issue with his delivery of various British accents ;) He’s welcome over here any time to experience them in person!

Takes Lexicon Valley to a ‘whole nother’ level

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I love listening to John. It would make every topic. entertaining. Really went all the way to get to the nitty grritty of our curse words. Really good

Hilarious and knowledgeable

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