A word or phrase that does not contribute any meaning but is added. An amusing and idiosyncratic look at the power of words to shock, offend, insult, amuse, exaggerate, let off steam, establish relationships, and communicate deepfelt emotions, expletive deleted is a mustread for anyone who loves language or has ever stubbed a toe. This phrase derives from the linguistic definition of. An expletive is a word or phrase inserted into a sentence that is not needed to express the basic meaning of the sentence. Your online dictionary for englishgerman translations. Expletive deleted it has been taboo for more than 500 years. Expletive deleted 2007, hardcover for sale online ebay. A good look at bad language and millions of other books are. Expletively definition, an interjectory word or expression, frequently profane. Definition and examples of expletives in english thoughtco. In expletive deleted, linguist ruth wajnryb offers an entertaining yet. The phrase has been used for this purpose since at least the 1930s, but became more widely used in the united states after the watergate scandal.
An exclamation or oath, especially one that is profane, vulgar, or obscene. Jordan, jen new and veteran crime writers alike celebrate the grandaddy of all cusswords in a series of short stories. Expletive definition of expletive by merriamwebster. If the cite book or citation templates are in use, you may add isbns. A good look at bad language 2005, ruth wajnryb points out that expletives are frequently uttered without addressing anyone specifically. Expletives definition of expletives by the free dictionary. At that time, expletive deleted entered the lexicon as an ironic reference to profanity. Expletive definition is a syllable, word, or phrase inserted to fill a vacancy as in a sentence or a metrical line without adding to the sense. Because you sold him out just to have a martyr, you expletive deleted. Read unlimited books and audiobooks on the web, ipad, iphone and android.
When you drink an alcoholic beverage so quickly that it essentially vanishes from existence. It is regarded as semantically null or a place holder. The phrase expletive deleted refers to profanity which has been censored by the author or by a subsequent censor, usually appearing in place of the profanity. Expletive definition, an interjectory word or expression, frequently profane. Offering forums, vocabulary trainer and language courses. The phrase expletive deleted refers to profanity which has been censored by the author or by a. Explore free books, like the victory garden, and more browse now. I had a memory of stephen ambrose, who came to talk to some of us students.
The great battles, eminent historians take on the great works of alternative history. Expletive meaning in the cambridge english dictionary. But from fcuk to four weddings and a funeral, the fword has become so commonplace. In general usage, an expletive is an exclamatory word or expression, often one thats profane or obscene. She dropped the book on her foot and let out a rowstring of expletives.
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