four–letter word

noun

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

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

Full 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

1897

Synonyms: curse, cuss, cussword, dirty word, expletive, four-letter word, obscenity, profanity, swear, vulgarism

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