Summary:
The book explores the origins and evolution of swear words throughout history, examining their cultural significance and the ways in which they reflect societal taboos. It delves into the linguistic functions of cursing, from ancient Roman times to modern usage, and how swearing has been shaped by religion, class, and gender.
Key points:
1. Swearing's Two Types: Swearing is split into religious oaths and taboo-related obscenities. Oaths used to be serious as they invoked the divine, but now have less impact, while obscenities remain strong.
Books similar to "Holy Sh*t":
What the F
Benjamin K. Bergen
Nine Nasty Words
John McWhorter
The Secret Life of Pronouns
James W. Pennebaker
The Tongue, A Creative Force
Charles Capps
Blessing or Curse
Derek Prince
Purity and Danger
Professor Mary Douglas|Mary Douglas
Words on the Move
John McWhorter
God's Creative Power Will Work For You
Charles Capps
Word Magic
Pao Chang
Hung by the Tongue
Francis P. Martin