This paper examines the usage of taboo language in English from a sociolinguistic perspective. Taboos refer to words, expressions or topics that are culturally restricted or considered inappropriate in certain social contexts. The study applies a qualitative literature-based analysis to identify common types of taboo topics, including bodily functions, sexuality, death, religion and discriminatory expressions. It also explores the social and communicative functions of taboo language, such as expressing emotion, reinforcing group identity, signalling informality, and managing politeness through avoidance or euphemism. Findings indicate that taboo usage in English is strongly dependent on cultural norms, setting, gender, age and interpersonal relationships. The study concludes that taboo language is not merely a form of linguistic impurity but an integral component of communication that carries emotional and social meaning. Understanding taboo usage is particularly important for language learners and educators to avoid miscommunication and cultural offense.

Taboo language, sociolinguistics, euphemism, english language

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