The word "taboo" is spelled with four letters, starting with the sound /t/ and ending with the sound /u:/. The first sound is a voiceless alveolar stop, while the second sound is a long close back rounded vowel. The double "o" in the middle is pronounced as a long vowel as well, indicating a stress on the second syllable of the word (/təˈbu:/). "Taboo" means something that is forbidden or prohibited from social use, and it comes from the Tongan word "tapu".
Taboo is a term used to describe something that is culturally forbidden, prohibited, or considered to be socially unacceptable or offensive. It refers to any behavior, practice, or subject matter that is deemed to be off-limits or restricted within a particular society, group, or community due to religious, moral, or social beliefs.
Taboos can vary significantly between cultures and can include a wide range of topics such as sexuality, religion, politics, death, bodily functions, or even certain foods. These taboos are often enforced through unwritten rules, norms, or societal expectations that dictate what is acceptable behavior and what is not.
Breaking a taboo can result in various consequences, including social ostracism, criticism, or even punishment. While taboos may shift and evolve over time, certain deeply ingrained or long-standing taboos can have a significant impact on individuals and societies, shaping their attitudes, behaviors, and values.
It is important to note that what may be considered taboo in one culture may be perfectly acceptable or even celebrated in another. This cultural relativity highlights the subjective nature of taboos and the need for cross-cultural understanding and tolerance.
• In the Pacific Isles, a religious rite by which anything whatsoever is rendered sacred and inviolable.
• To forbid the use of; to render inviolable; to forbid approach or use.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "taboo" originates from the Polynesian languages, particularly Tahitian and Tongan. It was first recorded by Captain James Cook during his voyages in the South Pacific in the late 18th century. The exact origin of the word is debated, but the most common theory is that it comes from the Tahitian term "tapu" or the Tongan term "tabu", which both mean "sacred" or "forbidden".
In Polynesian cultures, "tabu" referred to something that was prohibited or restricted due to its sacred or supernatural nature. It was associated with religious and cultural practices, where certain objects, places, or activities were considered off-limits to ordinary people. It was believed that breaking these taboos would bring consequences like bad luck, disease, or even death.