Swearing in the Victorian Era: How Did People Express Themselves?

Contrary to popular belief, the Victorian era was not entirely untouched by profanity. While etiquette and social norms were extremely rigid, the use of swearwords was not entirely absent, especially among certain groups. Let's delve into how people swore during this fascinating period in history and how these practices varied based on social status and occupation.

Common Swearwords of the Victorian Era

Just how profane was swearing in the Victorian era? Interestingly, certain phrases and words were quite common, although their usage was heavily regulated. For instance, the term DAMN! was widely used and accepted, making it a go-to exclamation. In more serious contexts, phrases such as Go to Hell were even more direct and would be taken literally, unlike today where such expressions are often used metaphorically.

Class Differences in Swearing

The prevalence of swearing varied significantly between different social classes in the Victorian era. While the upper classes may have sworn more freely among themselves, the middle classes, particularly the lower middle, observed stricter norms. This shift in behavior is partly attributed to the growing influence of Non-Conforming religions like Methodism, which promoted practices that were less bawdy.

For the upper classes, swearing was still acceptable in private settings among peers. Terms like DAMN!, BLOODY HELL, and GOD ROT YOU might feature in private conversations, but public displays of profanity were almost unheard of. Even so, these terms were often censored in writing to maintain a formal image.

Social Norms and Profanity

The middle and upper classes had a clear demarcation between public and private behavior. In public, especially in more refined social settings and religious institutions, swearing was considered not genteel. Women of the same class would avoid using such language altogether in public, while men might find it acceptable in the privacy of their home or within the confines of certain clubs.

Swearing in Lower Social Classes

The language of the lower social classes and the poor was much more colorful and less constrained. While they certainly had a repertoire of profanity, their vocabulary often included more colloquial and improvised terms. For example, gordamme might be used instead of damn, and bleedin’ for bloody. These terms, though equally offensive, were more a part of their everyday speech.

It's worth noting that the F-word was around, but its usage was far less frequent and associated with more extreme situations. The term gringos from a popular American song of the time could be used as a derogatory term, much like the term los go damnees used by Mexicans for white Americans.

Significance and Impact

The strict social norms of the Victorian era meant that profanity was often censored in literature and public discourse. However, it was still a powerful tool for conveying emotion and emphasis, especially in private communication. These practices reflect the complex social dynamics of the era, where social status and refinement were paramount.

The use of profanity also varied with occupation. A tailor might have a different vernacular than a religious figure or a scholar, each group finding their own acceptable and effective ways of expressing themselves.

Conclusion

Beyond the rigid social norms of the Victorian era, the use of profanity reveals a more nuanced and human side of the period. While it was restricted in some settings, it was still a part of everyday language and used as a means of communication, often reflecting the individual's social status and environment. Understanding these linguistic practices provides a deeper insight into the lives and experiences of people in Victorian society.