Book contents
- Words that Wound
- Words that Wound
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Preface
- Disclaimer: A Note to Readers
- Introduction
- 1 Setting the Scene
- 2 Understanding Offence
- 3 Data and Methodological Considerations
- 4 Navigating the Landscape of Offensive Discourse
- 5 Semantic Domains of Offensive Language
- 6 Patterns of Offensive Language Usage
- 7 Less Explicitly Offensive Language
- 8 Creativity and Offence
- 9 Conclusion
- References
- Index
1 - Setting the Scene
The Dynamics of Online Offensive Language
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 April 2026
Book contents
- Words that Wound
- Words that Wound
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Preface
- Disclaimer: A Note to Readers
- Introduction
- 1 Setting the Scene
- 2 Understanding Offence
- 3 Data and Methodological Considerations
- 4 Navigating the Landscape of Offensive Discourse
- 5 Semantic Domains of Offensive Language
- 6 Patterns of Offensive Language Usage
- 7 Less Explicitly Offensive Language
- 8 Creativity and Offence
- 9 Conclusion
- References
- Index
Summary
In Chapter 1, we set the scene by examining the dynamics of online offensive language. We examine offensive language across a spectrum, ranging from non-polite expressions to grossly offensive (potentially illegal) speech. We also explore the conceptual links between offensive language and related notions such as impoliteness, hate speech and language aggression. Importantly, this chapter focuses on why understanding offensive language is, above all, a concern best addressed by linguists. To achieve this, we discuss the similarities and differences between grossly offensive and (im)polite language. We specifically focus on pragmatic concepts such as locution, illocution and perlocution to explain how they operate at both ends of the spectrum. Finally, we address the challenges of detecting offensive language in computational approaches to combating online hate, emphasising the vital role of linguistic contributions.
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- Words that WoundExploring Online Offensive Language, pp. 8 - 26Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2026
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