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What's In A Name? Maybe, The First Recorded Use Of A Swear Word

Everyday dress from the reign of Edward II (1307-1327), created in 1910. HIP/Art Resource hide caption

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HIP/Art Resource

Opinion

Simon Says

What's In A Name? Maybe, The First Recorded Use Of A Swear Word

A scholar of medieval history believes he may have found the earliest recorded evidence of the "F-word." NPR's Scott Simon muses on what makes a word vulgar, or an obscenity.

What's In A Name? Maybe, The First Recorded Use Of A Swear Word

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Pick The Perfect Profanity To Season Your Message

Cincinnati Reds manager Bryan Price did not raise his voice as he delivered 77 profanities in response to a reporter's question. Joe Robbins/Getty Images hide caption

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Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Opinion

Simon Says

Pick The Perfect Profanity To Season Your Message

Cincinnati Reds manager Bryan Price repeated a choice curse word 77 times in a press conference. NPR's Scott Simon defends profanity, but warns it can obscure meaning if too liberally applied.

Pick The Perfect Profanity To Season Your Message

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