Expletive: A Literary Device

Etymology of Expletive

The term “expletive” originates from the Latin word “expletivus,” denoting “filling out” or “filling up.” Its evolution in the English language has resulted in its contemporary usage to signify a word or phrase employed within a sentence that serves a primarily syntactical or expressive function, without substantial augmentations to semantic content.

With time, this term has acquired a more specialized connotation, specifically referring to profanities or swear words utilized for expressing intense emotion or emphasis. In essence, expletives function as linguistic elements that occupy the emotional dimensions of a statement.

Meanings of Expletive

Aspect	Meaning
Etymology	Latin “expletivus,” meaning “filling out” or “filling up.”
Syntactical Usage	Refers to a sentence element adding structure without altering meaning.
Emotive Connotation	Specifically denotes profanities, used for emphasis or emotion.
Linguistic Function	Fills emotional nuances in communication, serving as a linguistic element.

Types of Expletive

Type	Explanation
Expletive Pronouns	Used to fill syntactical gaps, e.g., “it” in “It is raining.”
Expletive Interjections	Expressive words or phrases used to convey strong emotions, e.g., “oh,” “wow.”
Profanity Expletives	Swear words or offensive language used for emphasis or venting frustration.
Filler Expletives	Words or phrases inserted for conversational flow, e.g., “um,” “uh.”
Expletive Adverbs	Adverbs used to intensify meaning, e.g., “really,” “very.”
Expletive Adjectives	Adjectives employed for emphasis without altering essential meaning, e.g., “absolute,” “complete.”

Definition of Expletive

An expletive, as a literary device, refers to the intentional use of a word or phrase that adds emphasis or emotional intensity to a statement, without contributing significantly to the overall meaning. It serves as a linguistic embellishment, often employed to convey strong emotions, emphasis, or to create a particular tone within a piece of writing. While expletives can include profanities, in literary context, they extend beyond vulgarities to encompass a broader spectrum of words strategically used for expressive purposes.

Common Examples of Expletives

1. Interjections: Expressive words like “Oh,” “Wow,” or “Ouch” used to convey surprise, wonder, or pain.
2. Filler Words: Non-lexical fillers such as “um,” “uh,” or “like” used in conversation for hesitation or to maintain the flow.
3. Swear Words: Profanities or strong language used to express frustration, anger, or emphasis, such as the classic four-letter words.
4. Expletive Pronouns: The use of “it,” “there,” or “that” to fill syntactical gaps, as in “It is raining” or “There are many reasons.”
5. Adverbial Intensifiers: Adverbs like “really,” “very,” or “absolutely” used to intensify the meaning of an adjective or verb.
6. Expletive Adjectives: Words like “complete,” “utter,” or “total” employed to add emphasis without altering the core meaning, as in “a complete disaster.”

Shakespearean Expletives

In Shakespearean language, expletives often took the form of mild oaths, curses, or exclamations. These expressions were a reflection of the linguistic norms of the Elizabethan era. Here are some examples:

1. Zounds:
   • Reference: Appears in several plays, including “Othello.”
   • Example: “Zounds, sir, you’re robbed!”
2. S’blood (God’s blood):
   • Reference: Frequent in “Hamlet” and “Henry V.”
   • Example: “S’blood, you starveling, you elf-skin!”
3. By’r Lady (By Our Lady):
   • Reference: Used in various plays, like “Romeo and Juliet.”
   • Example: “By’r Lady, thirty years.”
4. Marry:
   • Reference: Common in many plays, such as “Much Ado About Nothing.”
   • Example: “Marry, sir, they have committed false report.”
5. God’s Wounds:
   • Reference: Found in plays like “Henry IV, Part 1.”
   • Example: “God’s wounds, I was never so bethumped with words.”

These expressions, rooted in the religious and cultural context of Shakespeare’s time, were used for emphasis, as mild oaths, or to convey a character’s emotional state. They offer a glimpse into the linguistic richness of the Elizabethan era.

Literary Examples of Expletives

1. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger:
   • Expletive Example: The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, frequently uses the word “goddam” to express his frustration and disapproval.
2. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee:
   • Expletive Example: Characters in the novel occasionally use mild expletives, such as “damn” or “hell,” reflecting the Southern vernacular of the time.
3. “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain:
   • Expletive Example: Twain’s work includes colloquial language, including the use of regional expletives, providing authenticity to the characters and setting.
4. “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams:
   • Expletive Example: The play contains strong language, including profanities, to underscore the tension and conflict among characters.
5. “Trainspotting” by Irvine Welsh:
   • Expletive Example: This novel is renowned for its gritty and raw language, including explicit expletives, capturing the harsh realities of addiction and urban life.
6. “The Wolf of Wall Street” by Jordan Belfort:
   • Expletive Example: Belfort’s memoir employs numerous profanities, contributing to the narrative’s candid portrayal of his life on Wall Street.

These examples showcase how authors use expletives to convey authenticity, emotion, and cultural context within their literary works.

How to Create Expletives

1. Lexical Intensity:

• Utilize strong, emotionally charged words to create expletives that convey heightened intensity.

2. Contextual Relevance:

• Consider the context of the dialogue or narrative, ensuring that the expletive aligns with the character’s emotions or the tone of the scene.

3. Character Consistency:

• Develop expletives that align with the linguistic style and personality of the character, maintaining consistency in expression.

4. Cultural Appropriateness:

• Be mindful of cultural norms and appropriateness, tailoring expletives to fit the setting and societal context of the narrative.

5. Creative Wordplay:

• Experiment with creative word combinations or alterations to conventional expletives, adding a unique flair to the language without compromising impact.

Benefits of Using Expletives

1. Lexical Intensity: Employ emotionally charged words to create expletives that evoke strong reactions.
2. Contextual Relevance: Ensure expletives align with the context, enhancing the emotional tone or emphasizing key moments.
3. Character Consistency: Develop expletives in line with a character’s personality, maintaining linguistic authenticity.
4. Cultural Appropriateness: Consider cultural norms to craft expletives that resonate within the societal context of the narrative.
5. Creative Wordplay: Experiment with inventive language and variations to create expletives that stand out and enhance expression.

Expletive in Literary Theory

1. Contextual Analysis: Examine the role of expletives within the literary context, considering how they contribute to the overall meaning, tone, and atmosphere of the work.
2. Character Dynamics: Evaluate the use of expletives in character development, analyzing how these expressions reflect the personalities, emotions, and conflicts of the characters.
3. Narrative Impact: Assess the impact of expletives on the narrative flow, pacing, and reader engagement, considering whether they enhance or detract from the storytelling.
4. Linguistic Craftsmanship: Critique the author’s linguistic choices, including the strategic use of expletives, to determine how well they contribute to the style and craft of the writing.
5. Cultural and Social Context: Consider the cultural and social implications of expletives, evaluating whether their use aligns with or challenges societal norms, and how this contributes to the broader thematic elements of the literary work.

Suggested Readings

1. Suganob-Nicolau, Maria Fe. “Swear words among young learners: A case study of the elementary students.” Indonesian JELT: Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching 11.2 (2016): 117-132.
2. Sabel, Joachim. Expletives as Features. Univ.-Bibliothek Frankfurt am Main, 2000.
3. Hartmann, Jutta M. Expletives in Existentials. Netherlands Graduate School of Linguistics, 2008.