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# expletive deleted

phrase (fixed phrase, often in brackets: \[expletive deleted\]; «expletive» noun, expletives)

«expletive deleted» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. a swear word was here but has been taken out, so you know someone swore without seeing the word.
2. (humorous) used in speech or writing instead of a swear word, to joke that you would like to swear.

### In the lessons

Found in printed transcripts, newspapers and quotes where swearing is not printed; people also say it aloud as a joke instead of swearing. Formal origin, now often humorous; all regions.

### Examples

- The transcript read: "Get that \[expletive deleted\] out of here."
- The newspaper printed his angry words with "expletive deleted" in two places.
- "That (expletive deleted) printer has jammed again," said Miss Clarke with a grin.
- The coach's speech had so many expletives deleted that it barely made sense.
- My brother texted me "expletive deleted!!" when he missed the goal.
- In the book, the pirate's speech is full of expletives deleted.
- Instead of swearing, Dad just said, "Expletive deleted," and we all laughed.
- An expletive is a swear word, so "expletive deleted" means a swear word was cut out.

### Note

«Expletive» means a swear word; it sounds formal and is not well known by children. Trap: the phrase does not tell you which word was said. Saying it aloud is a polite joke, not rude.