BrokenEye3 t1_iqq1vtm wrote on October 2, 2022 at 7:27 AM

Reply to comment by shimi_shima in TIL the BBC released a 'Green Book' in 1949 to define comedy guidelines. Among some of the banned topics were jokes about fig leaves and vulgar use of the word 'basket'. by morecharts

TIL "bastard" was once considered obscene enough to require a euphemism

grat_is_not_nice t1_iqq3xws wrote on October 2, 2022 at 7:54 AM

And my invention thrive, Edmund the base. Shall top the legitimate.

I grow; I prosper: Now, gods, stand up for baskets*!*

William Shakespeare, writing for the BBC

locks_are_paranoid t1_iqq71qd wrote on October 2, 2022 at 8:35 AM

The real TIL is always in the comments.

[deleted] t1_iqr24w1 wrote on October 2, 2022 at 2:09 PM

It’s still considered a curse word in the UK (and places like India)

NoNeedForAName t1_iqwo8kv wrote on October 3, 2022 at 5:22 PM

It's a curse word in the US, too, but a mild one like damn or hell. At least in my part of the US.

SuperJetShoes t1_irydxfl wrote on October 11, 2022 at 11:22 PM

Brit here. I'm sure most of my compatriots will agree that it's still quite a strong insult/profanity in the UK - but it needs to be spat out angrily, as in these fine examples from Sean Bean.

dmk_aus t1_iqr5dy9 wrote on October 2, 2022 at 2:33 PM

And for the euphemism to also be banned.

xX609s-hartXx t1_iqr5ita wrote on October 2, 2022 at 2:34 PM

I remember Orwell saying it was the worst word you could call a British man during the 30s/40s.

Inevitable-Year-9422 t1_iqr1y5f wrote on October 2, 2022 at 2:08 PM

I feel dumb because I can't tell if you're joking or not