Profanity has always been a deliciously vibrant part of our lexicon, an integral part of being human. We know why languages have terms of endearment, of greeting, of ritual - but why do all languages have collections of words that are "bad"?
Language evolves with time, and so does what we consider profane or unspeakable. In his new book, "Nine Nasty Words," McWorther examines profanity, explored from every angle: historical, sociological, political, and linguistic.
John McWhorter teaches linguistics, American studies, and music history at Columbia University. He is a contributing editor at The Atlantic and host of Slate's "Lexicon Valley" podcast.
