SKU: 19276735537

In Praise of Profanity

Sale price$17.59 Regular price$19.54
Save 10%

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 11 - Jul 16

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

In Praise of ProfanityWhen President Obama signed the affordable health care act in 2009, the Vice President was overheard to utter an enthusiastic "This is a big f****** deal " A town in Massachusetts levies $20 fines on swearing in public. Nothing is as paradoxical as our attitude toward swearing and "bad language" how can we judge profanity so harshly in principle, yet use it so frequently in practice? Though profanity is more acceptable today than ever, it is still

When President Obama signed the affordable health care act in 2009, the Vice President was overheard to utter an enthusiastic "This is a big f****** deal " A town in Massachusetts levies $20 fines on swearing in public. Nothing is as paradoxical as our attitude toward swearing and "bad language" how can we judge profanity so harshly in principle, yet use it so frequently in practice? Though profanity is more acceptable today than ever, it is still labeled as rude, or at best tolerable only under specific circumstances. Cursing, many argue, signals an absence of character, or poor parenting, and is something to avoid at all costs. Yet plenty of us are unconcerned about the dangers of profanity; bad words are commonly used in mainstream music, Academy Award-winning films, books, and newspapers. And of course, regular people use them in conversation every day.

In In Praise of Profanity, Michael Adams offers a provocative, unapologetic defense of profanity, arguing that we've oversimplified profanity by labeling it as taboo. Profanity is valuable, even essential, both as a vehicle of communication and an element of style. As much as we may deplore it in some contexts, we should celebrate it in others. Adams skillfully weaves together linguistic and psychological analyses of why we swear-for emotional release, as a way to promote group solidarity, or to create intimate relationships -- with colorful examples of profanity in literature, TV, film, and music, such as The Sopranos, James Kelman's How Late It Was, How Late, or the songs of Nellie McKay. This breezy, jargon-free book will challenge readers to reconsider the way they think about swearing.



Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 08/01/2016
ISBN: 9780199337583
Pages: 272
Weight: 0.88lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.90w x 1.10d

Review Citations: Library Journal 05/15/2016 pg. 78
Kirkus Reviews 07/01/2016
Shelf Awareness 07/29/2016
Choice 12/01/2016
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 19276735537

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.3 ★★★★★
Based on 112 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
K
Verified Purchase
Kwanchi
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 3
Fits nicely
Size: X-Large, Color: Wine Red
Faded color after one wash but perfect fit
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2025
A
Verified Purchase
Anum Jawed
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Highly recommended
Size: X-Large, Color: White
Excellent fabric, style and true to size👍👍👍my husband loved it👍👍highly recommended👍👍
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2026
V
Verified Purchase
Vijay
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Happy purchase
Size: XX-Large, Color: Black
This kurta arrived on time, in a clean and air sealed wrap. The material is soft as described, the design matches, and size matches what I was looking for. This was very comfortable to wear and I’ll be purchasing more from this brand of different colors. Great buy.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2025
T
Verified Purchase
Tammy
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Really nice sweater gift
I bought this for my husband. It fit him very well. I went up a size for a more comfortable fit for him. This sweater is well made and the quality is great.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2026
F
Verified Purchase
Frank F.
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
I couldn't be happier
The quality is very good looks great on very happy with the style.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2026

recommand products