Swearing
Chaotic politics sparks crude comebacks - and decency dilemmas
The political turmoil in the UK sparked some spectacular emotional reactions - and language not normally fit for broadcast. Meanwhile, one radio host here was pondering just what words should be used… Audio
Mediawatch for 20 February 2022
Mixed messages from media on Parliament protesters; extremism and the media; DomPost pushes back on public service obfuscation; sweary dad's live TV f-bomb double. Audio
It's newsworthy, I swear
When Simon Bridges called the Speaker "a twat" in Parliament, media pondered whether this unparliamentary insult was fit to print - and broadcast. They all decided it was - with one surprising… Audio
When is it OK to swear in the workplace?
A Petone barista was awarded $12,000 in compensation, after she was fired for swearing while at work. But how much foul language is too much? Audio
Warriors' struggles spark f***-letter word flurry
Given recent NRL results and refereeing blunders, anyone emotionally invested in the Warriors could be forgiven for turning the air blue. Recent stories in print have had as many dots, dashes and… Audio
The power of profanities
Swear words have been used in varying situations for hundreds of years, but aside from insults and exclamations, can bad language be beneficial for you? Kathryn Ryan speaks to London-based scientist… Audio
Swearing is good for the soul
Dr Michael Philipp from Massey University talks to Bryan Crump about the Gordon Ramsays of the world. Maybe we shouldn't feel so bad for dropping a few swear words when we feel screwed over, or stand… Audio
US seeks more info from Fiji over deportation
The US Embassy in Suva is investigating last week's deportation of a woman from Fiji to Los Angeles over allegations she swore at the President Jioji Konrote.
FFS! How the media handle rude words
Rude words and bad language are a problem for the new media. But there's little consistency in words they think we should be shielded from and how they try to keep them clean. Mediawatch looks at some… Audio
Rebecca Roache: the power of swearing
Lecturer in Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London who is currently writing a book about swearing, and wrote the essay Naughty Words recently for online journal Aeon. Audio
Swearing still has power to offend
Erina O'Donohue has been looking at the latest Broadcasting Standards Authority survey of words and phrases people believe shouldn't be allowed on the air. Audio
Web Review with Ele Ludemann
How to swear without swearing; is it a street, road, avenue... Audio
Ian Martin - the art of swearing
Writer and swearing consultant for the British television series The Thick of It, and columnist for The Guardian. Audio
Professor of linguistics at Victoria University, Janet Holmes
The world of cursing, swearing and expletives. Audio
Swearing
Professor Kate Burridge, linguist at Monash University, explains why New Zealanders are good at it. Audio
How broadcasters now swear
A survey released by the Broadcasting Standards Authority has shown a general softening of attitudes towards swear words. Audio
Swearing research
One of those things we've always known but science is now backing up - swearing can actually be good for you. Audio
Bruce Walker
Swearing in the classroom. Bruce Walker is the Principal of Rotorua Lakes High School. Audio
Australians and New Zealanders have potty mouths
An Australian language expert is suggesting that Australians and New Zealanders have some of the most relaxed attitudes in the world towards swearing. Audio