rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryexpletiveSwearword
noun

expletive

EK-spluh-tiv/ˈeksplətɪv/

A swearword or profane expression.

The painted expletive is a profane expression.

A freshly spray-painted profane expression on a small section of wall: the expression itself, rather than an angry facial expression, supplies the exact noun meaning.
Etymology
exLatinout
+pletLatinto fill
+iveLatinserving to

“Filling out” first described words added to complete a sentence or metrical line. The noun later came to mean an exclamation, especially an oath or curse word.

In context

Rhythm Changes2:04
using swearing as an expletive specifically is probably a good way to relieve tension.
Ardeshir: "The music doesn't owe us anything."

More examples

  • The editor removed the expletive from the transcript.
  • A startled expletive interrupted the silence.
  • The dialogue contains several expletives.

Forms

expletive · expletives

Similar words

curse
A curse can be a swearword or a wish of harm; expletive here specifically means a profane expression.
profanity
Profanity is offensive or irreverent language collectively; an expletive is one expression.