Etymology
Origin of curse word
First recorded in 1870–75
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I’ve covered Nancy Pelosi for more than three decades and never once heard her utter a curse word, in public or private.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2025
“I never said a curse word or stood up or threatened anyone, but it was hot under the collar, and I regret that,” Dorph said.
From Seattle Times • Dec. 17, 2023
Friends wonder whether they have ever heard Ryans use a curse word.
From Washington Post • Jan. 21, 2023
Raphael Bostic, president of the Atlanta Federal Reserve, joked Tuesday in separate remarks that “transitory” is now seen as the equivalent of a curse word at the Atlanta Fed.
From Washington Times • Oct. 13, 2021
When I am working here, I think of Señor Santos, who probably never used a curse word, not even exclaimed “¡Ay Chihuahua!”
From "Beast Rider" by Tony Johnston & María Elena Fontanot de Rhoads
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
