The Science of Swear Words (Warning: NSFW AF)

Editor's note: The following excerpt from a book about swear words contains many, many swear words. Some of them are pretty ugly, but it's all in the name of linguistics. Many words describing sexual organs, excretory functions, and so on fail to rise to the heights (or, if you prefer, sink to the depths) of profanity. These words are articulated without fear of offending, whether in the classroom or the courtroom or the examination room. They aren't profane, despite referring to taboo concepts.