Lore:Profanity

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Profanity refers to a classification of words which are deemed uncouth and vulgar. They are traditionally deemed unfit for use in high society, even rising to the mantle of illegality when used excessively in some regions, such as High Isle.[1] Profane words are typically derogatory,[2] though they may conversely be used to emphasize familiarity among close friends, family, or respected peers, making a subject light-hearted or intimate.[3] In some cases, the direct translations of words are not particularly offensive; rather, it is the connotation which yields the scorn.[4][5]

Profanity by Predominant Race[edit]

General[edit]

Housecat
A word used toward Khajiit derogatorily[6]
Knife-ear
A word used toward Mer derogatorily[7]
Lizard, scaleskin
A word used toward Argonians derogatorily[8][9]

Altmer[edit]

Nebarra
Foreigner[4]

Argonian[edit]

Kaoc
An exclamation of frustration[10]
Lukiul
Assimilated Argonian[11]
Thtachalxan
Drykiller, when used toward a foreigner[12]
Waxhutil, Waxhuthi
Dammit[12]
Xuth, Xhuth[13][14]

Breton[edit]

Draigh
Impolite curse originating from Druid language[2][15]
Sandpiper
Derogatory term for "a person from off the isles"[2]

Daedra[edit]

Zzavfa
Unknown, used for cussing by Fargravians[16]

Dunmer[edit]

Fetcher[17]
N'wah
Foreigner, slave[18]
Nchow[19]
S'wit[20]

Khajiit[edit]

Clawless
Non-Khajiit, or, when used on a Khajiit, a general insult[21]
Jekosiit[22]
Muskarse[23]

Nord[edit]

Milk-drinker
Coward[24]

Orc[edit]

Tusk
a word with multiple uses that can also be used for profanity. An example is "Tusk you!" "Who gives a tusk?" [25]

Reachmen[edit]

Reeker[26][27]
Thinblood
Commonly used towards outsiders,[28][29] but not always the case.[30]

Redguard[edit]

Tobr'a
Useless[31]

Notes[edit]

  • Several instances of real world profanity exist in The Elder Scrolls. These include shit,[32] bitch,[33] son-of-a-bitch,[34] retarded,[35] dammit,[36] ass,[37] asshole,[38] bastard,[39] whore,[40] and slut.[41] There is an allusion to the word fuck,[42] but the full word has never been used in the series. Instead, it is often substituted with setting-related profanity such as "fetch" (ie. "fetcher" or "fetching")[43] or "tusk" (ie. "tusker" or "tusking").[25][44]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Timeo Dubroc's dialogue in ESO: High Isle
  2. ^ a b c Loremaster's Archive - Bretons & High IsleLady Arabelle
  3. ^ Captain Llaari's dialogue in ESO
  4. ^ a b Craftreeve Midalmo's dialogue in ESO: Summerset
  5. ^ Wisdom of the Flying GodsMagnius Calussa
  6. ^ Mixed Unit TacticsCodus Callonus
  7. ^ The Saga of Captain Wereshark, Part 5
  8. ^ Vulwulf Snow-Shod's dialogue in Skyrim
  9. ^ Crafting Motif 11: Ancient Elf StyleSeif-ij Hidja
  10. ^ Kloxu's dialogue in ESO: Murkmire
  11. ^ The Sharper Tongue: A Jel PrimerLights-the-Way, Mystic of the Mages Guild
  12. ^ a b The Infernal CityGreg Keyes
  13. ^ Noyei-Heem's dialogue in ESO
  14. ^ Talen-Jei's dialogue in Skyrim
  15. ^ Isobel Veloise's dialogue in ESO: High Isle
  16. ^ Nass, Luna Berie, Severius Rutilus, Skrix, and Verdam Sedri's dialogue in ESO: The Deadlands
  17. ^ Gang Lieutenant's dialogue in Blades
  18. ^ Hassour Zainsubani's dialogue in Morrowind
  19. ^ Talym Rend's dialogue during Bthardamz Dungeon in Legends: Isle of Madness
  20. ^ Vals Veran's dialogue in Skyrim
  21. ^ Renaku's dialogue in ESO: Morrowind
  22. ^ Narazda's dialogue in ESO: Wolfhunter
  23. ^ Rideza's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
  24. ^ General Yeveth Noramil's dialogue in ESO
  25. ^ a b Orcs and Their TusksFolms Seleth
  26. ^ Malkor's dialogue in ESO: Markarth
  27. ^ Gwenyfe's dialogue in ESO: Markarth
  28. ^ Aeodfaern's dialogue in ESO: Markarth
  29. ^ Tayfaern's dialogue in ESO: Markarth
  30. ^ Reach Bedtime StoriesIsa Truiand, Teller of Tales
  31. ^ Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: HammerfellImperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
  32. ^ Feyfolken IIIWaughin Jarth
  33. ^ Ulfric Stormcloak's dialogue in Skyrim
  34. ^ Raven Biter's gravestone in New Sheoth Graveyard
  35. ^ Fools' EbonyFrincheps
  36. ^ Glenroy's dialogue in Oblivion
  37. ^ Erasmo's dialogue in Redguard
  38. ^ Tobias' dialogue in Redguard
  39. ^ Ragjar's dialogue in ESO
  40. ^ Ilnori Faustus' dialogue in Morrowind: Tribunal
  41. ^ Erikur's dialogue in Skyrim
  42. ^ Gerrick and Orsone's dialogue in Redguard
  43. ^ Mirri Elendis' dialogue in ESO: Blackwood
  44. ^ Arushna's dialogue in ESO