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Listen up ****s (bans incoming)

rez9000

Any point?
Feb 8, 2007
11,942
21,098
It's not that surprising really. The taboo form of words doesn't correlate original meaning of the said words. So in other languages you might replace fuck with shit to have the same meaning as a curse word. why **** became considered such a taboo in the UK is culturally specific and is not going to be the same elsewhere. **** is also hardly the only swear word making reference to female genitalia, it's not just because of that it's considered the worst curse word (outside of racial or homophobic slurs), there will be more to it than that.

Translation is generally speaking a very inaccurate way of understanding languages as a whole btw. I mean it's useful to get around a bit, and sometimes as a learning tool in specific contexts, but, has various issues.
Indeed. The word 'berk' - although it's now more used to denote an idiot, originally was Cockney rhyming slang for '****' and was used as such, but people think it's a non-rude way of insulting someone (if such a thing can be said to exist).

And berk isn't alone. For instance, someone might use the word 'poppycock' to suggest something is nonsense. But the word poppycock came to English from the Dutch, 'pappekak' which means 'soft shit' a phrase that some might consider rude. But those very same people may happily use the term poppycock not knowing its etymology, thinking they're being polite.

However it's viewed today, at some time in the future, '****' too will become less taboo as new words are made or adapted and then used.
 

Dougal

Staff
Jun 4, 2004
60,346
129,921
Indeed. The word 'berk' - although it's now more used to denote an idiot, originally was Cockney rhyming slang for '****' and was used as such, but people think it's a non-rude way of insulting someone (if such a thing can be said to exist).

And berk isn't alone. For instance, someone might use the word 'poppycock' to suggest something is nonsense. But the word poppycock came to English from the Dutch, 'pappekak' which means 'soft shit' a phrase that some might consider rude. But those very same people may happily use the term poppycock not knowing its etymology, thinking they're being polite.

However it's viewed today, at some time in the future, '****' too will become less taboo as new words are made or adapted and then used.
Smart ****
 

Rocksuperstar

Isn't this fun? Isn't fun the best thing to have?
Jun 6, 2005
53,290
66,758
Lady Chatterley's lover.

Which one? Sean Bean? Or Sean Bean, Sean Bean or Sean Bean?

I worked with a young American lass for a while and she knew who he was to say his name but she'd not paid attention to credits in films. First time I showed her it written down she was on the verge of having to take the afternoon off to get her head around it.
 

Geez

Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!
Admin
Oct 1, 2003
14,283
7,231
MV5BMWEwZTc1ZjgtMTFmMS00NTQ0LWI0OTgtMzdiZGEyYzExMzVlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMzk5OTkyNDE@._V1_.jpg
 

Gassin's finest

C'est diabolique
May 12, 2010
37,353
87,819
Indeed. The word 'berk' - although it's now more used to denote an idiot, originally was Cockney rhyming slang for '****' and was used as such, but people think it's a non-rude way of insulting someone (if such a thing can be said to exist).

And berk isn't alone. For instance, someone might use the word 'poppycock' to suggest something is nonsense. But the word poppycock came to English from the Dutch, 'pappekak' which means 'soft shit' a phrase that some might consider rude. But those very same people may happily use the term poppycock not knowing its etymology, thinking they're being polite.

However it's viewed today, at some time in the future, '****' too will become less taboo as new words are made or adapted and then used.
Berkshire Hunt iirc.
 

rez9000

Any point?
Feb 8, 2007
11,942
21,098
Berkshire Hunt iirc.
Berkeley Hunt, but commonly said to be Berkshire Hunt too. From what I understand the Earl of Berkeley in the 1930s, when the term originated, was a bit of a **** and by happy coincidence, the rhyming slang came about.

EDIT: Actually, that latter isn't 100% correct as the earldom of Berkeley split in 1882 and was briefly in abeyance after the death of Baroness Foley so remained a baronetcy, rather than an earldom.
 
Last edited:

Dougal

Staff
Jun 4, 2004
60,346
129,921
Berkeley Hunt, but commonly said to be Berkshire Hunt too. From what I understand the Earl of Berkeley in the 1930s, when the term originated, was a bit of a **** and by happy coincidence, the rhyming slang came about.

EDIT: Actually, that latter isn't 100% correct as the earldom of Berkeley split in 1882 and was briefly in abeyance after the death of Baroness Foley so remained a baronetcy, rather than an earldom.
No need to edit, I’m sure everyone here was fully up to speed on that already (y)
 

Gassin's finest

C'est diabolique
May 12, 2010
37,353
87,819
Berkeley Hunt, but commonly said to be Berkshire Hunt too. From what I understand the Earl of Berkeley in the 1930s, when the term originated, was a bit of a **** and by happy coincidence, the rhyming slang came about.

EDIT: Actually, that latter isn't 100% correct as the earldom of Berkeley split in 1882 and was briefly in abeyance after the death of Baroness Foley so remained a baronetcy, rather than an earldom.
Naturally...

tumblr_nntuyjRKYm1s52wgio1_500.gif
 

mumfordspur

Well-Known Member
Sep 10, 2020
1,176
1,273
Berkeley Hunt, but commonly said to be Berkshire Hunt too. From what I understand the Earl of Berkeley in the 1930s, when the term originated, was a bit of a **** and by happy coincidence, the rhyming slang came about.

EDIT: Actually, that latter isn't 100% correct as the earldom of Berkeley split in 1882 and was briefly in abeyance after the death of Baroness Foley so remained a baronetcy, rather than an earldom.

Just to add to the general nonsense here my Father-In-Law's father was born at Berkeley Castle and promptly shipped off to south Wales.
 

pagevee

Ehhhh, What's up Doc?
Oct 4, 2006
644
147
Berkeley Hunt, but commonly said to be Berkshire Hunt too. From what I understand the Earl of Berkeley in the 1930s, when the term originated, was a bit of a **** and by happy coincidence, the rhyming slang came about.

EDIT: Actually, that latter isn't 100% correct as the earldom of Berkeley split in 1882 and was briefly in abeyance after the death of Baroness Foley so remained a baronetcy, rather than an earldom.
Was that ****y?

I'm trying to understand the English slang. Americans would just say 'Fuck you you fucking fuck...I mean...fuck!' or something like that...
 
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