The bleeping weird origins of the most common curse words
They’re words we hear (or even say) all the time, but did you ever stop to wonder where expletives came from and why they’re so taboo? Well, we decided it was time to find out. Here, we’re delving into the history behind some of the English language’s most controversial words.
1. Crap
Starting with a fairly innocuous one, “crap” comes from the Middle Dutch word “krappe”, meaning “to cut off”. In the 15th century, however, it became a word we more commonly use to describe something that’s “nonsense” or as a slightly less flithy version of the next word.
2. Sh**
This swear word dates back all the way to the 1500s, when it was mostly used to describe an “obnoxious person”. It comes from the Middle Dutch word “schiten” and the Middle English word “sh*ten” meaning – you guessed it – to defecate.
It wasn’t until around the 1920s that we began using it to describe things we couldn’t care less about (e.g. “I don’t give a sh**”), and since then, it’s evolved dozens of different uses, including to describe things we don’t like, agree with or believe in (“that’s bullsh**”).
3. B*tch
It’s one of the most disrespectful words ever used to describe a woman, but you might be surprised to learn b*tch is one of our oldest words, dating back to the year 1000. Originating from the Middle English word “bicche”, we all know it means “female dog”. However, it wasn’t used to describe a lewd woman until the 1800s, when it was considered even more offensive than the word “whore”.
4. The F word
The origins of this profanity are a little murky, but from what we do know, it’s safe to say it’s been considered a vulgar word for centuries – its root word in Middle Dutch (meaning to copulate with someone) was banned from the dictionary when it originated. Though first seen written around 1500, the current use of the F word didn’t come about until the 1900s.