brzydkie słowa
The Polish phrase for bad words is brzydkie słowa.
While brzydkie słowa is a common way to describe bad words, the more precise term for swear words or profanities is przekleństwa.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective brzydkie (ugly) and the noun słowa (words).
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is brzydkie słowo.
Did you know?
- While brzydkie słowa is used in polite conversation, many Poles use the term wiązanki to describe a string of swear words. This literally translates to 'bouquets', suggesting a colorful collection of insults.
- Polish is famous for 'interpolated' swearing, where przekleństwa are inserted into the middle of other words or sentences as punctuation rather than to convey a specific meaning.
- The word przekleństwa, used for profanities, comes from a root meaning 'to curse'. This implies that a swear word is not just a bad word, but a formal verbal curse placed upon someone.
Examples in context
- KurdeDamn
- O kurczę!Oh darn!
- WybaczForgive me
- CholeraDamn it
- KurwaAn extremely offensive word referring to a prostitute. Equivalent to the English F-word
- CipaA derogatory term for a woman's genitalia. Similar to the English C-word
- RuchanieA vulgar word for sexual intercourse
- PierdolićAn offensive term for having sex or messing around
Example conversation
Piotr and Katarzyna are talking about their child's behavior.
- PiotrNasze dziecko mówi brzydkie słowa.Our child is saying bad words.
- KatarzynaSkąd on się ich nauczył?Where did he learn them from?
- PiotrPewnie słyszał je na placu zabaw.He probably heard them at the playground.
- KatarzynaMusimy z nim poważnie porozmawiać.We need to have a serious talk with him.
