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four-letter word

noun

Definition of four-letter word

:any of a group of vulgar or obscene words typically made up of four letters; broadly :a taboo word or topic
  • tax is a four-letter word to him

See four-letter word defined for English-language learners

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First Known Use of four-letter word

1897

four-letter word Synonyms

Synonyms
curse, cuss, cussword, dirty word, expletive, four-letter word, obscenity, profanity, swear, vulgarism
Related Words
bawdry, language, scurrility; execration, imprecation, malediction; epithet, name; oath

FOUR-LETTER WORD Defined for English Language Learners

four-letter word

noun

Definition of four-letter word for English Language Learners

  • : an offensive word and especially an offensive word that has four letters

  • : a word, subject, or idea that is disliked by some people

Learn More about four-letter word

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for four-letter word

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