Taboo language
Words and expressions considered offensive, forbidden, or inappropriate within a society. Taboo varies by culture, time period, and social context.
Real World
When Gordon Brown was recorded in 2010 calling a voter a 'bigoted woman' on a live microphone, the taboo break caused a national media crisis, demonstrating how context determines the severity of linguistic transgression.
Exam Focus
Explain the rhetorical effect of taboo language in context — shock, solidarity, or authenticity — rather than just identifying it as offensive.
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