Semantic Fields in Vulgar Expressions across Cultures: English and Uzbek

Abstract

This study offers a comparative linguocultural analysis of vulgar and taboo
expressions in English and Uzbek, examining how semantic fields of profanity reflect
underlying cultural values, social norms, and communicative practices. Using corpora
compiled from films, television subtitles, social media discourse, and colloquial
programming, vulgar expressions were categorized into seven semantic domains and
analyzed for frequency and usage patterns. Findings show that English profanity is
dominated by sexual and excretory vocabulary, reflecting secular, individualistic
cultural orientations and the historical erosion of religious taboos. In contrast, Uzbek
vulgarity centers on personal and kinship-based insults, highlighting the importance
of familial honor and collectivist social structures; sexual profanity commonly
appears in mother-insult constructions, and religious profanity is largely avoided.
Nonverbal insults likewise exhibit culturally specific patterns, with gestures differing
in meaning and offensive intensity across the two cultures. Gendered patterns also
emerge: Uzbek men employ harsher, dominance-oriented curses, while women tend
to use softer or positive “blessing-type” expressions. Overall, the study demonstrates
that profanity functions not merely as linguistic aggression but as a culturally
meaningful system of emotional expression, social regulation, and identity
construction