meaning, whether the expressions are in this dictionary or not. A thorough analysis of the use of this kind of vocabulary would have to account for many variables, such as point of view, setting, age of the speaker, sex of the speaker, age of the audience, sex of the audience, tone of voice, intent of the speaker, the audience's perception of the speaker's intent, etc. Most of these variables lie in the realm of the speech act itself and are not usually considered to be inherent to the expres- sions involved. It is, of course, possible to analyze and catego- rize taboo language, but it is not possible to make people use these expressions according to the analysis. In actual use, much of the effect of this vocabulary is dependent on perfor- mance variables, especially tone of voice. The general and essential characteristics of this kind of lan- guage include (1) the exercise of total freedom, (2) spontane- ‘ous customizing, (3) shock, (4) transgression against social custom, and (5) innovation. It is hard to capture the patterns of usage for a kind of language that delights in breaking the rules. A dictionary of this type shows the potential uses of ex- pressions 25 realized possibilities—not limits—on use. The notes and comments found here are designed only to provide the information needed to explain the notion of “forbidden” ‘or “taboo” vocabulary. The aim is to enhance understanding rather than to promote use. Who Uses This Vocabulary? It should not be assumed that all Americans know and use all these expressions. In fact, there is virtually no one in the entire world who knows and uses every single expression listed in this dictionary. In the last three decades the communications me- dia have brought these expressions into our living rooms and movie theaters. The “Free Speech” movement of the 1960s ex- panded both the users of, and audiences for, previously for-