Preserving Regional Swearwords: A National Census Initiative in the UK

Researchers at the University of Sheffield are launching the first national census of swearwords in the UK, aiming to document and preserve regional insults and curses that reflect local identities. This initiative arises from concerns that the homogenization of the English language is erasing unique regional dialects, with common terms like “idiot” overshadowing local expressions such as “divvy” in Merseyside and “bampot” in Glasgow.

The Guardian

Dr. Chris Montgomery, a senior lecturer in dialectology and project lead, highlighted the lack of comprehensive data on regional swearing. While there is extensive corpus-based data tracking general swearing trends from the 1990s to the 2010s, regional variations remain largely unexplored. The project was inspired by the art initiative Modern Toss, which sought to create a map of British swearwords. Montgomery emphasized the social functions of swearing, noting its role in expressing frustration and fostering social solidarity.

The Guardian

The census invites individuals from towns and cities across Britain to submit their local swearwords. This effort aims to create a “vivid, honest record” of contemporary speech, capturing terms that are recognized locally but may be unknown elsewhere. Examples of submissions include “arl arse” from Liverpool and “radgie bastard” from north-east England. The project seeks to reflect the history and identity of the communities that use these expressions.

The Guardian

The data collected from the census will not only inform exhibitions showcasing regional speech but also contribute to the development of technology that can better understand regional accents and non-standard English. Researchers noted that AI often struggles with these variations, underscoring the importance of capturing linguistic diversity to prevent exclusion in technological advancements.

The Guardian

Montgomery clarified that the project is not intended to promote offensive language but rather to celebrate the regional dialects that characterize everyday communication. He stated, “Language is changing all the time... it helps us to understand how language changes, how language evolves and how it’s used for its social function.” Fellow linguist Dr. Robbie Love from Aston University welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the value of documenting localized swearing practices as a reflection of identity.

The Guardian

While the project aims to destigmatize swearing, some critics may view it as trivializing language or promoting rudeness. However, both Montgomery and Love stress that the focus is on recognizing the non-abusive functions of swearing and celebrating linguistic diversity rather than encouraging inappropriate behavior.

The Guardian

As the census progresses, researchers plan to create an interactive map of swearing, allowing users to hear local expressions in their respective accents. This initiative will provide future generations with insights into the linguistic landscape of the UK in 2026, preserving a record of how language is used in various communities.

The Guardian

• “What we know is swearing is really quite productive, it’s useful, it has got a good social function.” — Dr. Chris Montgomery, University of Sheffield

The Guardian

• “This is not about encouraging rudeness or bad behaviour, but rather celebrating diversity and just acknowledging that swearing is for a lot of people a day-to-day part of life.” — Dr. Robbie Love, Aston University

The Guardian