swear jar

[swair jahr]

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!

Word History and Origins

Origin of swear jar¹

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.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Bargatze avuncularly threatening to introduce a swear jar into the proceedings didn’t go over well either – especially with the host of “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” who used part of an acceptance speech for one of the show’s two Emmy wins to say, “F**k you Nate Bargatze, that is a lot of money for you, and you can add a f**k to the swear jar as well.”

Read more on Salon

“Also she cursed and I will start a swear jar real fast.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Besides, the longer he struggles with it, the more cash she accrues in their version of a swear jar.

Read more on Salon

Full of references to sexual assault and racism, and with enough offensive language to fill a gallon-size swear jar, “A Strange Loop” aims to bring taboo topics to mainstream theater.

Read more on New York Times