What makes a bad word bad?

Answer 1

The way it is used and they way it is received.

I could pick a bad word in any foreign language and use it...
I promise you, when I use it in a bad way...you will recognize the word.

Answer 2

The meaning of the word in your society makes a word bad! There have been many cases of words used in products that turned out to mean something else in another society.

Answer 3

It's what we associate with the word that makes it bad. After all, a word is just a word

Answer 4

A profanity (or "swear word", or "curse word", or "foul language") is a word, expression, or other usage which is generally considered insulting, rude or vulgar. The extent to which a profanity is considered to be in some way disagreeable or objectionable depends on context, timing and various other factors. However, the use of certain profanities at certain times, especially in a public setting or during a solemn occasion, will always be considered inappropriate or in bad taste, if not clearly abusive, obscene or offensive. At other times the use of certain profanities will be considered mild or acceptable, and may take less recognizable forms, such as a minced oath.

The original meaning of the term was restricted to blasphemy, sacrilege or speaking God's name in vain. However, the term has been extended to include expressions with scatological, sexist, derogatory, racist, or sexual themes. Compare the concept of the four-letter word.

The use and meaning of profanity is culturally specific. For example, many profanities in Quebec French are a corruption of religious terminology, while many English ones tend to reference sexuality. A term which functions as a profanity in one language may often lack any profane quality when translated into another language.

Answer 5

The heart of the person who is saying the word.

Answer 6

That enough people feel offended/embarassed by its use.
Seems to be the only criterion, or else what would be bad about "bloody" or "damned" or loads of other words, mostly describing body parts and functions that are totally natural.
My own point of view is "To the pure, everything is pure" (old German proverb)

Answer 7

Society agrees on what several syllables put together mean. Once we all agree on what it means, when someone says it, we know what they are inferring. Its why people have to be careful when they say the word love, or a swear word.

Answer 8

the meaning of the word

Answer 9

Any bad word is bad. There is no what about it.

Answer 10

People.