Cacology

/kæˈkɑːlədʒi/ noun

Definition

Bad language, foul speech, or the use of vulgar, coarse, or obscene words; poor choice of words.

Etymology

From Greek kakos (bad) and logos (word, language), with the suffix -logy forming a noun. It refers to the practice or study of bad language and vulgar speech.

Kelly Says

Victorian scholars created whole hierarchies of language 'badness'—'cacology' was the academic term for cursing and vulgarity, which they found absolutely scandalous to even discuss.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.