expletive

[ ek-spli-tiv ]

noun

1. an interjectory word or expression, frequently profane; an exclamatory oath.
2. a syllable, word, or phrase serving to fill out.
3. Grammar. a word considered as regularly filling the syntactic position of another, as it in It is his duty to go, or there in There is nothing here.

adjective

1. Also ex·ple·to·ry [] added merely to fill out a sentence or line, give emphasis, etc.:

   Expletive remarks padded the speech.

expletive

/ ɪkˈspliːtɪv /

noun

1. an exclamation or swearword; an oath or a sound expressing an emotional reaction rather than any particular meaning
2. any syllable, word, or phrase conveying no independent meaning, esp one inserted in a line of verse for the sake of the metre

adjective

1. expressing no particular meaning, esp when filling out a line of verse

expletive

1. Any exclamation or oath, especially one that is obscene or profane, as in “Dammit, I forgot to buy the milk.”

Notes

The Oval Office tapes of President Richard Nixon , released during the investigation of the Watergate scandal, made famous the phrase “expletive deleted,” which appeared frequently in expurgated transcripts of the tapes.

Derived Forms

• exˈpletively, adverb

Other Words From

• exple·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of expletive¹

1600–10; < Late Latin explētīvus serving to fill out, equivalent to Latin explēt ( us ) filled, filled up (past participle of explēre; explement ) + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of expletive¹

C17: from Late Latin explētīvus for filling out, from explēre, from plēre to fill

Example Sentences

Republican Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho reportedly responded with an expletive.

From BBC

Winding up face down on the court, Bilodeau pounded the hardwood with both hands and uttered an expletive.

From Los Angeles Times

The quest started with a flurry of expletives, Cronin telling his staff with some not-so-nice words that they needed to get better players after a rare losing season.

From Los Angeles Times

Another describes her with an expletive that rhymes with “itch.”

From Salon

The footage, which has been shared widely on X, shows some people trying to calm Mr Amesbury down, although others can be heard expressing anger and expletives.

From BBC

Related Words

• curse