swear jar

[ swair jahr ]

noun

1. a container into which a fine is paid when someone who has agreed to limit the use of profanity uses language that is vulgar, profane, or obscene:

   The swear jar didn't stop my uncle from cussing, but Mom let me use the money to buy a video game—so it worked out for me!

Word History and Origins

Origin of swear jar¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Full of references to sexual assault and racism, and with enough offensive language to fill a gallon-size swear jar, “A Strange Loop” aims to bring taboo topics to mainstream theater.

From New York Times

With more ways to talk to Siri in the home and more products that can be controlled by the smart assistant, I’m hoping my swear jar will be gathering cobwebs by Christmas.

From The Verge

Phoebe is a short, bubbly pixie who giggles at Roy's frequent eruptions of crude, reminding him that every curse word equals a contribution to a swear jar.

From Salon

About 90 seconds into his news conference Monday, Washington offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach John Donovan got hit with a question that might make him have to put a quarter in the swear jar.

From Seattle Times

In Matt Kuchar's world, "Aw, shucks" means you drop a dollar in a swear jar.

From Golf Digest