swear jar

American  

[swair jahr] / ˈswɛər ˌdʒɑr /

noun

1. a container into which a fine is paid when someone who has agreed to limit the use of profanity uses language that is vulgar, profane, or obscene.

   The swear jar didn't stop my uncle from cussing, but Mom let me use the money to buy a video game—so it worked out for me!

---

Etymology

Origin of swear jar

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

He is considering instituting a lighthearted corporate equivalent of a “swear jar,” where employees pay a small penalty whenever they pull out their phones or laptops.

From The Wall Street Journal

With more ways to talk to Siri in the home and more products that can be controlled by the smart assistant, I’m hoping my swear jar will be gathering cobwebs by Christmas.

From The Verge

About 90 seconds into his news conference Monday, Washington offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach John Donovan got hit with a question that might make him have to put a quarter in the swear jar.

From Seattle Times

In Matt Kuchar's world, "Aw, shucks" means you drop a dollar in a swear jar.

From Golf Digest

Like a swear jar, but life size.

From Washington Post