HISTORY OF SWEAR WORDS: Not Your Typical History Lesson
Netflix for the past few years has embraced the potential within strange and unusual content, utilizing its platform and unrestrained creative prowess to mine gems of artistry, storytelling and history. Tiger King and Nailed It! come to mind in recent years, with Nailed It!’s break down of staged reality TV embracing the authenticity of including its crew as much as its subject matter and Tiger King utilizing the documentary genre to mesmerize viewers about the underground dealings and crimes of the tiger industry. In its latest venture, Netflix is once again turning to the strange and unusual, avenues and topics typically limited to a college discussion setting now consumed and presented as entertainment.
With History of Swear Words, Netflix delivers humor, entertainment and knowledge regarding those naughty words that have changed and morphed throughout the years, some reclaimed while others becoming a commonality of speech. Hosted by Nicolas Cage, History of Swear Words is one of the most unique and fascinating docuseries I have seen in quite some time.
Not your typical history lesson
The History of Swear Words is a quick watch, made up of only six episodes about twenty minutes each. Kicking off with the history of the word “F**k”, the series wastes no time diving into the linguistics, history and even animated depictions of its origin. Talking heads discuss their love of the swear words, how they use them and the potency when utilized. While many of the talking heads are comedians, these words offering a different take and delivery for each, audiences will find themselves not only entertained but in agreeance – swear words make us feel good.
What is so interesting about the series is the evolution of each of the words presented, many morphing in definition and application. Language is always in constant flux and learning about the linguistic changes with swear words, especially since many are taboos that are frowned upon, truly emphasizes not only this change, but that change is not something that can not be inhibited. As prospectives and society changes, so too do the words we use to address the world around us and the emotions it draws from us.
My only qualm about the series is its condensed pace. Too often, I felt that the episodes were too short, if given just ten more minutes each, more history and evolutionary knowledge could have been expanded on. Its fast pace may guarantee viewers watch through to the end, yet it feels rushed. Many times, I found myself questioning whether the episode had truly explained the origin of the word, only to find that they did but we jumped from the past to present faster than I could process, consuming the enjoyment rather than the educational aspect.
Swear words find their power in those who wield them and this is the series’ greatest strength. Clips from movies and TV reinforce the impact and necessity of swear words. The talking heads – consisting of Nikki Glaser, London Hughes, Elvis Mitchell, DeRay Davis, Nick Offerman, Sarah Silverman, and more – each have their platforms of entertainment, many known for the lines or jokes composing of swear words that they have delivered. They are relatable and welcoming, not addressing the taboo to encourage restraint, but to embrace and to encourage. Ending with “damn”, viewers are given the full life cycle of a swear, showing the potential path of those discussed before and those swears that have yet to be discovered and understood.
Conclusion: “Have a great f**king good night”
I implore Netflix to continue embracing this type of content and bringing it to the masses. There are taboos and aspects of life that we all know and do but haven’t a clue where it all came from. Here, the history of swear words is revealed and its evolutionary process examined. While the series could have lent more time to each episodic installment, the entertainment, and the understanding is there all the same. If you are looking for something new to binge, definitely give History of Swear Words a try – it’s a f**cking good time.
Have you seen the History of Swear Words? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!
History of Swear Words is currently streaming on Netflix!
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