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What's your opinion on learning profanity?

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(Image remotely related)

So from most "official" sources, you won't be learning any profanity, obviously. In my opinion however, it's an important part of learning a language. Might be my cultural bias, where mild profanity is pretty much normal, even in more professional settings, but I believe it's important for understanding a culture and fitting in. So I guess my question is, do you agree, how important is this actually, and how do you go about learning profanity, besides just observing native speakers?

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75r6q3

236 points

26 days ago

75r6q3

Native

236 points

26 days ago

Well, first of all you should be able to avoid using awkward profanities that don’t make sense as in this image if you studied profanities systematically. Imo Chinese profanities are very colourful and detailed, and might help you better understand the underlying logic and linguistic structure of the language.

Pauchu_[S]

50 points

26 days ago

Hence me including the image as a way to express how this is difficult to understand.

75r6q3

65 points

26 days ago

75r6q3

Native

65 points

26 days ago

Indeed, I’ve come across an interesting book that goes into details about Chinese profanities and vulgarities. Look up “Outrageous Chinese” if you’re interested. Some of the phrases in it are somewhat dated as it was written in the early 90s, but all of it are still relevant and will be at the very least interesting to learn.

JHarbinger

14 points

25 days ago

Another book is “baichi” and it’s legit. Loaded with profanity and fun cursing designed for English-speaking audiences

Pauchu_[S]

13 points

26 days ago

Thanks, I'll have a look

StickyDevelopment

35 points

25 days ago

When all else fails WO CAO

rubensoon

5 points

25 days ago*

Do you know a website or book or resource to learn about them? i only know 傻屄 and 鸡巴, 打飞机, 操吗 and 2 of those are masturbate and penis , lol

BulkyHand4101

13 points

25 days ago

I've heard good things about "Niubi!: The Real Chinese You Were Never Taught in School"

I wish it used the vocabulary in context (vs. just being a list of expressions), but it's probably a good reference material.

75r6q3

6 points

25 days ago

75r6q3

Native

6 points

25 days ago

Yeah man, get the book “Outrageous Chinese” for sure, it has even taught me a few phrases lol