Taboo Words Used in the Movie Entitled "The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard"

Abstract

The title of this research is Taboo Words Used In The Movie Entitled "The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard", this study examines the use of taboo words in the movie by categorizing and analyzing their types, functions, and motives. Language in movies plays a crucial role in shaping and reflecting societal norms, and the presence of taboo words serves various linguistic and narrative purposes. The study used a mixed-method approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative analysis to classify instances of taboo language. The research is based on Timothy Jay’s (1992, 2009) classification of taboo words, which includes cursing, profanity, blasphemy, obscenity, vulgarity, slang, epithets, insults and slurs, and scatology. The findings reveal that the movie extensively employs eight out of nine types of taboo words, with obscenity, cursing, and profanity being the most dominant. Additionally, the study identifies six primary functions of taboo words: expressing emotions, relieving pain, establishing social bonding, adding emphasis, insulting and offending, and challenging authority. The use of such language contributes to character development, humor, and dramatic intensity, making it an integral element of the film’s storytelling. This research highlights the importance of sociolinguistics in media studies and provides insights into how explicit language functions in cinematic narratives. It also suggests that while taboo words are often perceived negatively, they serve pragmatic purposes that enhance dialogue realism and audience engagement. Future research can explore the correlation between gender, social status, and the use of taboo language in films.