# bad word

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bad-word
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A vulgar word.

## Examples

- Do not use a bad word in front of your teacher.
- The child got in trouble at school for repeating a bad word he heard on the playground.
- Although the comedian often relies on shock value, he managed to deliver a sharp critique of society without resorting to a single bad word.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.