answer reading questions

ta b le 1

Slang Swearwords Indexical of obligatory affect + + Affect that is inappropriate in formal contexts + + Widely used—not associated with a subgroup – + Usually enduring for at least a number of decades – + Semantically linked to specific cultural values – + Taboo by virtue of this semantic link – +

他妈的

俚语

table 2

Number of Respondents Identifying the Swearword as Slang

motherfucking 29 (44%) pissed 25 (38%) goddamn 23 (35%) shit 20 (30%)

酷

酷

ta b le 3

Ordinary Basic Slang Slang Swearwords Indexical of obligatory affect + + + Affect that is inappropriate in formal contexts + + + Widely used—not associated with a subgroup – + + Usually enduring for at least a number of decades – + + Semantically linked to specific cultural values – + + Taboo by virtue of this semantic link – – +