Obscenity

Obscenity has several connotations. Obscenity and its parent adjective obscene take their derivation from the Greek terms ob skene, which literally means "offstage". This is because violent acts in Greek theatre were committed off stage. It then descends into the Latin word obscenus, meaning "foul, repulsive, detestable", (possibly derived from ob caenum), literally "from filth". The term is most often used in a legal context to describe expression (words, images, actions) that offend the prevalent sexual morality of the time.

Related Topics:
Adjective - Greek - Latin - Legal - Sexual morality

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Despite its long formal and informal use with a sexual connotation, the word still retains the meanings of "inspiring disgust" and even "inauspicious; ill-omened", as in such uses as "obscene profits", "the obscenity of war", and the like. It can simply be used to mean profanity, or it can mean anything that is taboo, indecent, abhorrent, or disgusting.

Related Topics:
Profanity - Taboo

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The definition of obscenity differs from culture to culture, between

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communities within a single culture, and also between individuals within those communities. Many cultures have produced laws to define what is considered to be obscene, and censorship is often used to try to suppress or control materials that are obscene under these definitions, usually including, but not limited to pornographic material.

Related Topics:
Law - Censorship - Pornographic

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Because the concept of obscenity is often ill-defined, it can be used as a

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political tool to try to restrict freedom of expression.

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Thus, the definition of obscenity can be a civil liberties issue.

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