English Review: Journal of English Education
Vol. 14 No. 2 (2026)

SWEAR WORDS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN BANDUNG: A MIXED-METHODS SOCIOLINGUISTIC STUDY OF TYPES, PURPOSES, AND INFLUENCES

Puspita Sari (English Department, Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Widyatama)
Hero Gunawan (English Department, Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Widyatama)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the use of swear words among university students in Bandung, focusing on the types, purposes, influences, and gender differences in swearing behavior. Through a mixed-method approach comprising surveys, interviews, and observational data, the study reveals that students use a diverse range of swear words, including local vernacular and borrowed terms from English, primarily to express emotions, build social bonds, emphasize communication, and challenge societal norms. According to the findings, peer pressure, media exposure, cultural background, and digital platforms all have a substantial influence on swearing practices. There are notable gender inequalities, with male students swearing more frequently and openly than their female colleagues, who tend to use softer phrases in private. The role of social media platforms in normalizing swearing and fostering linguistic creativity is particularly highlighted. These findings underscore the complex interplay between cultural, social, and technological factors in shaping language use among youth. This study contributes to the broader understanding of sociolinguistic behavior in modern, digitalized societies.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

pub

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

English Review: Journal of English Education (ERJEE) is an open-access, peer-reviewed scholarly journal dedicated to the advancement of knowledge in English language education, linguistics, applied linguistics, and English literature. The journal provides a platform for interdisciplinary research ...