TV-MASeason 1
An education in expletives.
Synopsis
History of Swear Words (2021), Season 1 — watch online on iFILM: six episodes of Netflix documentary comedy hosted by Nicolas Cage.
Each episode takes one word — f**k, sh*t, bitch, d**k, pu**y, damn — and runs it through linguists, comedians, and cultural critics who trace its origins, mutations, and surprising staying power. The format is deliberately absurd: rigorous etymology delivered in a talk-show register. Sh*t's medieval farming roots, bitch's ongoing reclamation by women, damn's unbroken biblical thread — the show treats every slur as a legitimate historical artifact.
For language obsessives it works better than it should: behind the profanity is an actual social history. Stream all episodes of History of Swear Words Season 1 online on iFILM.
6 episodes
S1·E1F**k
The silly putty of the English language, our most malleable swear word can refer to sex, rage, confusion, excitement and a whole lot more.
S1·E2Sh*t
With medieval roots as a term for excrement, this filthy vulgarity evolved over time into something much more versatile — and sometimes even positive.
S1·E3Bitch
Though it literally means "female dog," in recent years, some women have started to reclaim the "B word" as a term of strength and solidarity.
S1·E4D**k
You can have one or you can be one. But how did an unassuming nickname for "Richard" become one of our most popular swear words?
S1·E5Pu**y
From its feline origins to its modern slang uses describing genitalia or insulting manhood, learn how "pu**y" has stood the test of time.
S1·E6Damn
Though quite mild when compared with its profane brethren, "damn" has maintained its meaning from biblical times and can still pack a punch even today.
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