An Interpretation of Internet Curse Words from the Perspective of Memetics— Taking "Brazilian Steak", "NMSL" and " Numbly XX" as Examples
Journal: Region - Educational Research and Reviews DOI: 10.32629/rerr.v7i6.4209
Abstract
This study investigates the replication and dissemination mechanisms of internet curse words through the lens of memetics, focusing on three representative cases: "Brazilian steak," "NMSL," and "XX ma le (numbly XX)." As linguistic memes, these expressions exemplify how taboo language evolves and proliferates in digital spaces, driven by imitation, adaptation, and socio-cultural dynamics. The analysis reveals distinct transmission patterns—heteromorphic (e.g., borrowed terms and acronyms) and isomorphic heteronymous (e.g., dialectal sarcasm)—while highlighting their roles in reinforcing biases, evading censorship, or enabling group identity. Findings underscore the dual impact of such memes: facilitating creative expression yet exacerbating cyber violence. The paper calls for balanced governance strategies to mitigate harm while preserving linguistic innovation, contributing to interdisciplinary debates on internet language evolution.
Keywords
Memetics, meme, curse words
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[5] Weng, L., Flammini, A., Vespignani, A., & Menczer, F. (2012). Competition among memes in a world with limited attention [J]. Scientific Reports, 2, 335.
[6] Gao, B. (2015). Research on the memetic transmission mechanism of internet language. Journalism & Communication, 22 (4), 45–58.
[7] Li, J. (2018). A memetic analysis of internet catchphrases: A case study of "Buddha-like." Modern Communication, 40 (6), 67–73.
[8] Liu, Y., & Wang, H. (2022). The role of memes in the formation of internet language: A sociolinguistic perspective [J]. Language & Communication, 84, 1-12.
[9] Allan, K., & Burridge, K. (2006). Forbidden words: Taboo and the censoring of language [M]. Cambridge University Press.
[10] Hughes, G. (2006). An encyclopedia of swearing: The social history of oaths, profanity, foul language, and ethnic slurs in the English-speaking world [M]. Routledge.
[11] Jay, T. (2009). The utility and ubiquity of taboo words [J]. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 4(2), 153-161.
[12] Chen, L. (2009). Research on internet vulgar language. Journal of Xinyang Agricultural College, 19 (4).
[13] Wang, J.(2010).Research on internet curse words [Master’s thesis]. Qinghai Normal University.
[14] Li, Q.(2013).Investigation and analysis of internet curse words [Master’s thesis]. Central China Normal University.
[15] Jiang, X. (2014). A study on the pragmatic functions of Chinese internet curse words from the perspective of speech act theory [Master’s thesis]. Northwest Normal University.
[16] Li, Y.(2015). The construction types and discourse functions of the internet phrase "nǐ mèi (your sister)." Journal of Suzhou University, 11, 57–62.
[17] Bai, L. (2016). A study of curse words in online buyer comments: An empirical analysis based on JD.com. Modern Chinese (Language Research Edition), 11, 100–103.
[18] Wang, X.(2018). The social functions and cultural significance of swear words: A case study of internet language. Cultural Studies, 12, 78–86.
[19] Lin, H.(2015). The hunted meme: A study on the variation patterns of internet curse words. Journal of Suzhou University, 30 (11), 60–61.
[20] He, Z. (2005). Memes in language. Linguistic Sciences, 54–64.
[21] Cao, J., & Liu, F. (2008). Characteristics of internet language vocabulary from the perspective of memetics. Journal of Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications (Social Science Edition), 1 , 46–50. https://doi.org/10.14132/j.cnki.nysk.2008.01.003
[22] Byrne, E. (2020). Why we swear (N. Zhang, Trans.). Beijing United Publishing Co.
[23] Dawkins, R. (2006). The God Delusion [M]. Bantam Books.
[24] He, Z. (2014). A memetic interpretation of the popularity of catchphrases. Shandong Foreign Language Teaching Journal, 35 (2).
[25] He, Z. (2014). Memetics of language: A new perspective in linguistic studies. Foreign Language Teaching and Research, 46 (1), 29–39.
[26] Knobel, M., & Lankshear, C. (2007). Online memes, affinities, and cultural production [J]. New Literacies Sampler , 199-227.
[27] Li, M. (2019). Classification, grading, and regulatory application of internet curse words [Doctoral dissertation]. Wuhan University. https://doi.org/10.27379/d.cnki.gwhdu.2019.000953
[28] Mohr, M. (2013). Holy shit: A brief history of swearing [M]. Oxford University Press.
[29] Vingerhoets, A. J., Bylsma, L. M., & de Vlam, C. (2013). Swearing: A biopsychosocial perspective [J]. Psychological Topics, 22(2), 287-304.
#Among them, the content of references 22-29 was not directly cited in the article.
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