George Carlin's 7 Words You Can't Say: A Linguistic History Hot Take

What are George Carlin's seven words you can't say?

George Carlin's seven words you can't say are a list of words that are considered to be so offensive that they are not allowed to be broadcast on television or radio in the United States. The words are:

  • Shit
  • Piss
  • Fuck
  • Cunt
  • Cocksucker
  • Motherfucker
  • Tits

Carlin first came up with the list in 1972, and he performed a famous routine about it on his 1978 album "Class Clown." In the routine, Carlin argues that the words are not inherently offensive, but that they have been made so by society. He also points out that the words are used all the time in everyday conversation, and that banning them from the airwaves is hypocritical.

Carlin's routine was controversial at the time, but it helped to raise awareness of the issue of free speech. Today, the seven words are still considered to be taboo, but they are not as likely to be censored as they once were.

George Carlin's Seven Words You Can't Say

George Carlin's seven words you can't say are a list of words that are considered to be so offensive that they are not allowed to be broadcast on television or radio in the United States. The words are:

  • Shit
  • Piss
  • Fuck
  • Cunt
  • Cocksucker
  • Motherfucker
  • Tits

These words are considered to be taboo because they are associated with vulgarity, obscenity, and hate speech. However, Carlin argued that these words are not inherently offensive, but that they have been made so by society. He also pointed out that these words are used all the time in everyday conversation, and that banning them from the airwaves is hypocritical.

Carlin's list of seven words has been controversial since he first came up with it in 1972. However, it has also helped to raise awareness of the issue of free speech. Today, these words are still considered to be taboo, but they are not as likely to be censored as they once were.

1. Shit

The word "shit" is one of the seven words that George Carlin famously said you can't say on television or radio in the United States. It is a vulgar slang term for feces, and is considered to be highly offensive by many people.

However, Carlin argued that the word "shit" is not inherently offensive, but that it has been made so by society. He pointed out that the word is used all the time in everyday conversation, and that banning it from the airwaves is hypocritical.

Carlin's point is well-taken. The word "shit" is a perfectly ordinary word that is used to describe a bodily function that is common to all humans. There is nothing inherently offensive about it. However, the word has been tabooed by society, and as a result, it is now considered to be unacceptable to use it in polite conversation.

This is a shame, because the word "shit" can be a very useful word. It can be used to express a wide range of emotions, from anger to disgust to frustration. It can also be used to add emphasis to a statement. For example, you might say "I'm so tired of this shit" or "This is some serious shit."

Carlin's list of seven words is a reminder that free speech is important. We should be able to use any word we want to express ourselves, even if some people find it offensive. Banning words from the airwaves does not make them go away. It just drives them underground.

2. Piss

The word "piss" is one of the seven words that George Carlin famously said you can't say on television or radio in the United States. It is a vulgar slang term for urine, and is considered to be highly offensive by many people.

  • Biological Function: Piss is a bodily fluid that is produced by the kidneys and stored in the bladder. It is eliminated from the body through the urethra.
  • Slang Usage: The word "piss" is often used as a slang term to express anger or frustration. For example, you might say "I'm pissed off" or "This pisses me off."
  • Euphemisms: There are a number of euphemisms for the word "piss," such as "urine," "water," and "number one." These euphemisms are often used in polite conversation to avoid using the more offensive term "piss."
  • Taboo: The word "piss" is considered to be taboo in many cultures. This is because it is associated with bodily functions and waste. As a result, the word is often censored from television and radio broadcasts.

Carlin's inclusion of the word "piss" on his list of seven words you can't say highlights the fact that many words that are considered to be taboo are simply words that describe bodily functions or waste. Carlin argued that these words are not inherently offensive, but that they have been made so by society. He also pointed out that these words are used all the time in everyday conversation, and that banning them from the airwaves is hypocritical.

3. Fuck

The word "fuck" is one of the seven words that George Carlin famously said you can't say on television or radio in the United States. It is a vulgar slang term for sexual intercourse, and is considered to be highly offensive by many people.

  • Versatility: The word "fuck" is one of the most versatile words in the English language. It can be used as a noun, a verb, an adjective, or an adverb. It can also be used to express a wide range of emotions, from anger to frustration to pleasure.
  • Taboo: Despite its versatility, the word "fuck" is still considered to be taboo in many cultures. This is because it is associated with sex, which is often seen as a private and shameful activity.
  • Euphemisms: There are a number of euphemisms for the word "fuck," such as "make love," "have sex," and "sleep together." These euphemisms are often used in polite conversation to avoid using the more offensive term "fuck."
  • Censorship: The word "fuck" is often censored from television and radio broadcasts. This is because it is considered to be offensive to many people.

Carlin's inclusion of the word "fuck" on his list of seven words you can't say highlights the fact that many words that are considered to be taboo are simply words that describe sexual activities. Carlin argued that these words are not inherently offensive, but that they have been made so by society. He also pointed out that these words are used all the time in everyday conversation, and that banning them from the airwaves is hypocritical.

4. Cunt

The word "cunt" is one of the seven words that George Carlin famously said you can't say on television or radio in the United States. It is a vulgar slang term for the female genitalia, and is considered to be highly offensive by many people.

Carlin's inclusion of the word "cunt" on his list highlights the fact that many words that are considered to be taboo are simply words that describe sexual organs or activities. Carlin argued that these words are not inherently offensive, but that they have been made so by society. He also pointed out that these words are used all the time in everyday conversation, and that banning them from the airwaves is hypocritical.

The word "cunt" has a long and complex history. It was first used in the English language in the 12th century, and it has been used as a term of abuse for women ever since. The word is often used to express hatred, contempt, or anger towards women.

The word "cunt" is still considered to be taboo in many cultures. However, there has been a growing movement in recent years to reclaim the word. Some feminists argue that the word "cunt" is a powerful word that can be used to empower women. They argue that the word should not be taboo, and that women should be free to use it as they see fit.

The debate over the word "cunt" is likely to continue for many years to come. However, Carlin's inclusion of the word on his list of seven words you can't say has helped to raise awareness of the issue of free speech. Carlin's point is that we should be able to use any word we want to express ourselves, even if some people find it offensive. Banning words from the airwaves does not make them go away. It just drives them underground.

5. Cocksucker

The word "cocksucker" is one of the seven words that George Carlin famously said you can't say on television or radio in the United States. It is a vulgar slang term for a person who performs oral sex on a man, and is considered to be highly offensive by many people.

Carlin's inclusion of the word "cocksucker" on his list highlights the fact that many words that are considered to be taboo are simply words that describe sexual activities. Carlin argued that these words are not inherently offensive, but that they have been made so by society. He also pointed out that these words are used all the time in everyday conversation, and that banning them from the airwaves is hypocritical.

The word "cocksucker" is often used as a term of abuse or insult. It can be used to express hatred, contempt, or anger towards someone. The word is also sometimes used in a playful or affectionate way, but this is less common.

The word "cocksucker" is still considered to be taboo in many cultures. However, there has been a growing movement in recent years to reclaim the word. Some people argue that the word "cocksucker" is a powerful word that can be used to empower people who identify as LGBTQ+. They argue that the word should not be taboo, and that people should be free to use it as they see fit.

The debate over the word "cocksucker" is likely to continue for many years to come. However, Carlin's inclusion of the word on his list of seven words you can't say has helped to raise awareness of the issue of free speech. Carlin's point is that we should be able to use any word we want to express ourselves, even if some people find it offensive. Banning words from the airwaves does not make them go away. It just drives them underground.

6. Motherfucker

The word "motherfucker" is one of the seven words that George Carlin famously said you can't say on television or radio in the United States. It is a vulgar slang term that is used to express anger, frustration, or contempt. The word is often used as a general insult, but it can also be used to refer to someone who is perceived to be behaving in a particularly despicable way.

Carlin's inclusion of the word "motherfucker" on his list highlights the fact that many words that are considered to be taboo are simply words that are used to express strong emotions. Carlin argued that these words are not inherently offensive, but that they have been made so by society. He also pointed out that these words are used all the time in everyday conversation, and that banning them from the airwaves is hypocritical.

The word "motherfucker" is still considered to be taboo in many cultures. However, there has been a growing movement in recent years to reclaim the word. Some people argue that the word "motherfucker" is a powerful word that can be used to express strong emotions in a way that is both cathartic and empowering. They argue that the word should not be taboo, and that people should be free to use it as they see fit.

The debate over the word "motherfucker" is likely to continue for many years to come. However, Carlin's inclusion of the word on his list of seven words you can't say has helped to raise awareness of the issue of free speech. Carlin's point is that we should be able to use any word we want to express ourselves, even if some people find it offensive. Banning words from the airwaves does not make them go away. It just drives them underground.

7. Tits

The word "tits" is one of the seven words that George Carlin famously said you can't say on television or radio in the United States. It is a vulgar slang term for a woman's breasts, and is considered to be highly offensive by many people.

  • Objectification of Women: The word "tits" is often used to objectify women. It reduces women to their physical attributes and ignores their other qualities. This can be demeaning and disrespectful to women.
  • Sexualization of Women: The word "tits" is also often used to sexualize women. It can be used to draw attention to a woman's breasts in a way that is uncomfortable or even threatening. This can make women feel like they are being treated as sexual objects.
  • Taboo: The word "tits" is still considered to be taboo in many cultures. This is because it is associated with sex, which is often seen as a private and shameful activity. As a result, the word is often censored from television and radio broadcasts.
  • Reclaiming the Word: In recent years, there has been a growing movement to reclaim the word "tits." Some women argue that the word is a powerful word that can be used to empower women. They argue that the word should not be taboo, and that women should be free to use it as they see fit.

The debate over the word "tits" is likely to continue for many years to come. However, Carlin's inclusion of the word on his list of seven words you can't say has helped to raise awareness of the issue of free speech. Carlin's point is that we should be able to use any word we want to express ourselves, even if some people find it offensive. Banning words from the airwaves does not make them go away. It just drives them underground.

FAQs about George Carlin's Seven Words You Can't Say

George Carlin's seven words you can't say are a list of words that are considered to be so offensive that they are not allowed to be broadcast on television or radio in the United States. The words are: shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, and tits.

Question 1: Why are these words considered to be so offensive?

These words are considered to be offensive because they are associated with vulgarity, obscenity, and hate speech. They are often used to express anger, frustration, or contempt, and they can be used to demean or insult others.

Question 2: Why did George Carlin include these words on his list?

Carlin included these words on his list to highlight the fact that many words that are considered to be taboo are simply words that describe bodily functions or sexual activities. He argued that these words are not inherently offensive, but that they have been made so by society. He also pointed out that these words are used all the time in everyday conversation, and that banning them from the airwaves is hypocritical.

Question 3: Are these words still considered to be taboo today?

Yes, these words are still considered to be taboo in many cultures. However, there has been a growing movement in recent years to reclaim these words and to challenge their taboo status. Some people argue that these words are powerful words that can be used to express strong emotions or to challenge social norms.

Question 4: What is the debate over these words?

The debate over these words centers around the issue of free speech. Some people argue that these words should not be banned from the airwaves because they are protected by the First Amendment. Others argue that these words are so offensive that they should not be allowed to be broadcast on television or radio.

Question 5: What is the significance of these words?

These words are significant because they highlight the tension between free speech and the need to protect people from offensive language. They also raise questions about the role of society in determining what words are considered to be acceptable and unacceptable.

Summary: George Carlin's seven words you can't say are a reminder that the issue of free speech is a complex one. There are no easy answers, and the debate over these words is likely to continue for many years to come.

Transition to the next article section: Carlin's seven words you can't say are just a few examples of the many words that are considered to be taboo in our society. In the next section, we will explore the history of taboo language and discuss the reasons why certain words are considered to be offensive.

Conclusion

George Carlin's seven words you can't say are a reminder that the issue of free speech is a complex one. There are no easy answers, and the debate over these words is likely to continue for many years to come.

However, Carlin's words have helped to raise awareness of the issue of free speech and the importance of protecting our right to express ourselves freely. Even if we find some words offensive, we must defend the right of others to use them. This is the foundation of a free and democratic society.

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