A Systematic Literature Review of the Most Frequent Swear Words used by English Language Learners

Swear words also known as profanity, often seen as inappropriate language that play roles in interactions by conveying intense feelings strengthening social connections and making speech more impactful. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, the review synthesizes findings from 25 research articles published between 2009 and 2024 where it examines the most frequent swear words used among English language learners, focusing on the various forms, functions, and contexts in which these words are employed. The studies, drawn from databases such as Scopus, ERIC, and Web of Science (WoS), explore the usage of swear words in different cultural and social contexts, with a particular emphasis on English language learners. The common profane words found are "fuck," "shit," "damn," and "suck," often used in situations such as classrooms, online interactions, social gatherings and media platforms. This analysis showcases the ways in which language learners incorporate these words into their vocabulary. It offers insights for teachers and researchers to comprehend the role of profanity in language acquisition and social interactions. Additionally, the analysis discusses the constraints of research and offers suggestions for further exploration by researchers in this area.