Profanity

Profanity is “the quality or state of being profane” (see Sacred-profane dichotomy). It can also relate to using profane language, or desecration or disrespect toward an object of religious veneration. It can be a word, expression, gesture, or other social behavior which is socially constructed or interpreted as insulting, rude, or vulgar.

Other words commonly used to describe profane language or its use include: cuss, curse, swearing, expletive, oath, bad word, dirty word, strong language, irreverent language, obscene language, and blasphemous language.