Plot Synopsis

Hosted by Nicolas Cage, HISTORY OF SWEAR WORDS is a six-part series that explores the origins, pop culture-usage, science, and cultural impact of curse words. Through interviews with experts in etymology, pop culture, historians and entertainers, each 20-minute episode dives into the origins of "F**k", "Sh*t", "B*tch", "D**k", "Pu**y", and "Damn". Guest stars include Joel Kim Booster, DeRay Davis, Open Mike Eagle, Nikki Glaser, Patti Harrison, London Hughes, Jim Jefferies, Zainab Johnson, Nick Offerman, Sarah Silverman, Baron Vaughn, and Isiah Whitlock Jr. Experts include cognitive scientist and author of "What The F Benjamin Bergen," linguist Anne Charity Hudley; Professor of Feminist Studies Mireille Miller-Young; film critic Elvis Mitchell; author of "Holy Sh*t: A Brief History of Swearing Melissa Mohr," and author of "Word By Wordm" Kory Stamper. Netflix released the entire six-episode series on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 3:01am ET/12:01am PT:

"F**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.

"Sh*t": With medieval roots as a term for excrement, this filthy vulgarity evolved over time into something much more versatile -- and sometimes even positive.

"Bitch": 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.

"D**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?

Pu**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.

"Damn": 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.