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Revision as of 22:42, 14 June 2006 by 64.12.116.67 (talk) (→Usage history)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) For other uses, see Fuck (disambiguation).

"Fuck" is an English word which, when used literally as a verb, means "to have sexual intercourse". It is generally considered one of the most vulgar words in the English language and a classic example of the swear word. Because of its offensive nature it is commonly referred to as the "f-word".

The versatility of the words means it can be used as a verb (to fuck), noun (a fuck), adjective (fucking), adverb, or interjection. Fuck is also one of the few words in standard English commonly used as an infix, as in 'absofuckinglutely' or 'infuckingcredible', along with several other expletive infixes.

It is unclear whether the word had always been considered impolite and, if not, when it was initially considered to be profane. Some evidence indicates that in some English-speaking locales it was considered acceptable as late as the 17th century meaning "to strike" or "to penetrate". Other evidence indicates that it may have become vulgar as early as the 16th century in England. Other reputable sources such as the Oxford English Dictionary contend the true etymology is still uncertain but appears to point to an Anglo-Saxon origin that in later times spread to the British colonies and worldwide.



Further reference

  • Hargrave, Andrea Millwood (2000). Delete Expletives? London: Advertising Standards Authority, British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting Standards Commission, Independent Television Commission.
  • Jesse Sheidlower, The F Word (1999) ISBN 0375706348. Presents hundreds of uses of fuck and related words.
  • Michael Swan, Practical English Usage, OUP, 1995, ISBN 019431197X
  • Phillip J. Cunningham, Zakennayo!: The Real Japanese You Were Never Taught in School, Plume (1995) ISBN 0452275067
  • Wayland Young, Eros Denied: Sex in Western Society. Grove Press/Zebra Books, New York 1964.

See also

External links

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