obscenity
Origin of obscenity
Examples from the Web for obscenities
Contemporary Examples
Dave taunted the crowd with threats and obscenities, and finally soaked them with lurid synthetic bodily fluids.
Historical Examples
"Profanities, obscenities, er—swear-words," suggested Challis.
The WonderJ. D. Beresford
I leave untouched the gross obscenities and immoral decisions.
Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 1 (of 3)Isaac D'Israeli
We let obscene writers write about the obscenities of this ordinary man.
A Chesterton CalendarG. K. Chesterton
And Chet knew that the obscenities were intended for his companions and himself.
Brood of the Dark MoonCharles Willard Diffin
When at last he found his tongue a flood of obscenities flowed.
Port O' GoldLouis John Stellman
obscenity
- the state or quality of being obscene
- an obscene act, statement, word, etc
Word Origin and History for obscenities
obscenity
n.
1580s, "obscene quality," from French obscénité, from Latin obscenitatem (nominative obscenitas) "inauspiciousness, filthiness," from obscenus "offensive" (see obscene). Meaning "a foul or loathsome act" is 1610s. Sense of "an obscene utterance or word" is attested by 1690. Related: Obscenities.
obscenity
Behavior, appearance, or expression (such as films and books) that violate accepted standards of sexual morality. American courts have long tried to define obscenity but without much success. Some believe, for example, that any depiction of nudity is obscene; others would argue that nudity in itself is not obscene. (See four-letter words (see also four-letter words) and pornography.)