Stollznow, Karenina (2002). Terms of abuse in Australian English: A study of semantics and usage. BA(Hons) thesis, University of New England.
The purpose of this thesis is to present and justify semantic explications for seventeen abusive epithets commonly used in contemporary Australian English: wanker, smart arse, dickhead, fuckwit, drongo, yobbo, bludger, wowser, whinger, wuss, poofter, bimbo, bitch, slut, arsehole, prick and cunt. Although many of these words are often perceived as non-specific or vague terms, I aim to prove that each epithet has a distinct meaning and usage. These words have been chosen given their frequency in natural speech and within mediums such as newspapers, television, literature and the Internet. Furthermore, these terms are important in that they encode information about the Australian culture and people. Although prevalent in the lexicon of many Australian people, some of these terms are of a taboo nature and have been insufficiently treated academically.
Research carried out in consultation with or under the supervision of one or more experienced NSM practitioners
