University of Sheffield Launches National Census to Preserve Regional Swearwords
In a bid to capture the colourful tapestry of British dialects, researchers at the University of Sheffield have initiated the first national census of swearwords. This project aims to document regional insults and curses that are at risk of disappearing due to the homogenisation of the English language.
Preserving a Vivid Record of Contemporary Speech
The initiative, led by Dr Chris Montgomery, a senior lecturer in dialectology, seeks to create a vivid, honest record of how people speak across towns and cities in the UK. Montgomery explained that while large datasets track general swearwords over decades, there is a significant gap in understanding regional variations. We haven't ever had a survey of regional swearing before, we sort of don't know what's going on, he said. Swearing is really quite productive, it's useful, it has got a good social function. It serves to indicate when we might be frustrated, but also show social solidarity.
The project emerged from a collaboration with the art project Modern Toss, which approached the university to help map British swearwords. Academics are particularly interested in words specific to local areas, such as divvy in Merseyside, pillock in Leeds, or dinlo in Portsmouth, which reflect community history and identity.
Examples and Future Exhibitions
Submissions so far include arl arse from Liverpool, bampot from Glasgow, and radgie bastard from north-east England. The collected data will inspire exhibitions nationwide, potentially featuring an interactive map where visitors can press a button to hear swearwords spoken in local accents. This effort not only celebrates regional language but also aids technological development, as research shows AI often struggles with non-standard English and regional accents.
Academic Support and Broader Implications
Fellow linguists have welcomed the project. Dr Robbie Love, a lecturer at Aston University, noted, There's a lot that we don't really know about the more localised and regionalised swearing practices, which is why I think this survey is really, really welcome. He emphasised that the project destigmatises the non-abusive functions of swearing, highlighting its role in daily life and identity reinforcement. Montgomery added that the census is not about promoting offensive language but providing insight into English as spoken in 2026, helping future generations understand communication patterns across the country.
As language evolves, this project underscores the importance of preserving regional diversity, ensuring that unique expressions like those highlighted in popular culture, such as Susie Dent forming gobshite from letters on Countdown, are not lost to time.
