LOL
funny thread, dude.
first i wanna say, we're not gonna do a lesson on "japanese vulgarities."
but if anyone wants to discuss it back here in the forum... well, as long it stays educational and doesn't go off the deep, i think there's room for it.
that said,
as you've all noticed by now, japanese is a high context language. so it's easy to understand that the actual words uttered (even in keigo) can take on a rude or insulting meaning depending on context. as a result, in the normal japanese spoken every day there aren't so many equivalents to the english "four letter word." that's not to say you can't offend people by using an inappropriate word in an certain situation. but it does mean there are a different set of guidelines.
皆さん、きをつけてください。
貴様
we touched on 貴様 in a Beginner Season 2 Lesson.
http://www.japanesepod101.com/2007/07/2 ... ng-back-i/
this word was once used to address feudal lords. if you look at the kanji, the meaning is pretty clear.
but this word isn't used today in mainstream japanese society. it's only used by otaku or by some history lovers in their own groups. as my friend masanori said, "if somebody said 貴様 to me, i'd laugh cuz it's dorky. and then i'd kick his ass."
that summed up the whole situation for me: nobody uses it (imagine calling someone 'your highness' in a sarcastic way), but the intent of usage is clearly recognizable: it's a sarcastic insult).
use: i don't recommend using, cuz you'll sound like a nerd
effect: you'll get your ass kicked for using such a nerdy word
手前
i want to caution people about this. this doesn't necessarily give a less sophisticated impression to the listener than 貴様. the reality is it gives the impression that YOU WANT TO FIGHT.
use: てめー、ぶっ殺しちゃるぜ！ i'll kick your ass, m@th@f@ck@r!
effect: you'll get the fight you asked for.
