SKU: 19276735537

In Praise of Profanity

Sale price$17.59 Regular price$19.54
Save 10%

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 12 - Jul 17

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

In Praise of ProfanityWhen President Obama signed the affordable health care act in 2009, the Vice President was overheard to utter an enthusiastic "This is a big f****** deal " A town in Massachusetts levies $20 fines on swearing in public. Nothing is as paradoxical as our attitude toward swearing and "bad language" how can we judge profanity so harshly in principle, yet use it so frequently in practice? Though profanity is more acceptable today than ever, it is still

When President Obama signed the affordable health care act in 2009, the Vice President was overheard to utter an enthusiastic "This is a big f****** deal " A town in Massachusetts levies $20 fines on swearing in public. Nothing is as paradoxical as our attitude toward swearing and "bad language" how can we judge profanity so harshly in principle, yet use it so frequently in practice? Though profanity is more acceptable today than ever, it is still labeled as rude, or at best tolerable only under specific circumstances. Cursing, many argue, signals an absence of character, or poor parenting, and is something to avoid at all costs. Yet plenty of us are unconcerned about the dangers of profanity; bad words are commonly used in mainstream music, Academy Award-winning films, books, and newspapers. And of course, regular people use them in conversation every day.

In In Praise of Profanity, Michael Adams offers a provocative, unapologetic defense of profanity, arguing that we've oversimplified profanity by labeling it as taboo. Profanity is valuable, even essential, both as a vehicle of communication and an element of style. As much as we may deplore it in some contexts, we should celebrate it in others. Adams skillfully weaves together linguistic and psychological analyses of why we swear-for emotional release, as a way to promote group solidarity, or to create intimate relationships -- with colorful examples of profanity in literature, TV, film, and music, such as The Sopranos, James Kelman's How Late It Was, How Late, or the songs of Nellie McKay. This breezy, jargon-free book will challenge readers to reconsider the way they think about swearing.



Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 08/01/2016
ISBN: 9780199337583
Pages: 272
Weight: 0.88lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.90w x 1.10d

Review Citations: Library Journal 05/15/2016 pg. 78
Kirkus Reviews 07/01/2016
Shelf Awareness 07/29/2016
Choice 12/01/2016
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 19276735537

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.4 ★★★★★
Based on 648 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
T
Verified Purchase
Theresa Jarman
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 4
Good for sensitive skin
Style: Updated Formula
It actually helps my skin. I had curology before this and still had breakouts around my lips and nose. After trading to this, it has calmed down a lot. No bumps or pimples. This package is smaller samples to test out to see if it's good for you and your skin. Its really good for sensitive skin.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
Jahdeia Leon
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Rescued my skin
Style: Updated Formula
Brought my sensitive skin back from acne and irritation. Almost completely clear now!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026
D
Verified Purchase
Diana Carolina Rodríguez
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Amo todos los productos
Style: Updated Formula
Estos productos son un éxito, me controlan el enrojecimiento de mi piel en la cara y de todo lo demás. Gracias por tan buen producto
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2026
L
Verified Purchase
lauren
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Gentle on highly sensitive skin
Style: Updated Formula
I have spent so long looking for a product that is not only hydrating but calming enough for my Rosacea. This is it!! buy 5 of them because my skin has never been so soft and looks great!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2026
P
Verified Purchase
Placeholder
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Liquid silk
I am obsessed with this product! I originally bought it when I was in Paris and I loved it. It is the smoothest silkiest texture. A small amount goes along way. I put it on at night as part of my bedtime routine and the changes I have noticed my skin are amazing. I think the price point is good not too expensive and it lasts a long time it hydrates my face super well has a slight scent, but very pleasant. No greasiness.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2025

recommand products