Court rules 'p**s' is not swear word
The p-word was recently at the centre of a legal matter with a surprising outcome.
Picture: Pexels.com
Lester Kiewit speaks with Professor Gerhard van Huyssteen of the Department of Afrikaanse en Nederlandse Taalkunde at North-West University.
Listen to the interview in the audio.
“Ma se p***” is a commonly used phrase, though you don't expect to hear it in court.
Nevertheless, the phrase was recently unpacked in a legal matter, changing the outcome of a case.
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A man was accused of violating a domestic violence protection order by using the p-word against his niece.
The protection order, obtained by the man’s sister and niece, compelled him not to swear at his family members.
He was sentenced to 12 months in jail, wholly suspended for five years, but the case went on automatic review.
Judge Salie, who penned the judgement review, found it problematic that the word had been ruled a swear word as its use has evolved to a term used colloquially.
“Has it changed to that extent that it is colloquial speak?”
- Professor Gerhard van Huyssteen, Afrikaanse en Nederlandse Taalkunde - North West University
Salie acquitted the man, setting the conviction and sentence aside.
Van Huyssteen warns that, despite the judgement, it remains a term you would not dare say in polite company or write out in print.
“Will you say that to your mother? Will you say that on the radio? Will you say that at church?”
- Professor Gerhard van Huyssteen, Afrikaanse en Nederlandse Taalkunde - North West University
Scroll up to audio player to listen to the interview.