- Words are needed that can approach unpleasant things in life and make them possible to talk about.
Words are also needed that can express strong emotions, says Kristy Beers Fägersten.
She is a linguist and researches swear words, their use and history.
It is important that there is an agreement between people about which words have a charge like swear words.
This is because they often have a different, more mundane meaning.
But it's not just any word.
- These are words that describe evil forces or maybe a little disgusting, embarrassing things.
Names of diseases have also been swear words.
Hear more about the function of swear words in the clip above.