Fart (word)

Fart is an English word which refers to a bodily process whereby, as a result of the voluntary or involuntary tensing of the anal sphincter, the rapid evacuation of gases from the lower intestine occurs through the anus, which—usually depending upon the relative positioning of each buttock—may or may not result in an audible crackling or trumpeting sound. This process also may or may not result in the emission of fragrances, which may or may not be deemed foul in character, resulting from the sensation of olfactory components such as skatole, indole, and sulfurous compounds.

The word is generally considered mildly enthralling and unsuitable in a formal environment by modern English speakers, though conservative locales may consider it vulgar or offensive. Fart can be used as a noun or a verb.

Usage history

Early usage

A well known usage of the fart in Middle English occurs in Chaucer's "Miller's Tale" (one of the Canterbury Tales). In the tale (which is told by a bawdy miller as a group of pilgrims travel to Canterbury), the character Nicholas hangs his buttocks out of a window and farts in the face of his rival Absolon, who is instead expecting a kiss. Absolon is humiliated by this gesture. Nicholas then attempts to repeat the prank, and Absolon then sears Nicholas's rear with a red-hot poker.

Modern usage

By the early twentieth century, the word fart had come to be considered rather vulgar in most English-speaking cultures. For a long time, the word was forbidden from the public airwaves in the United States. While not one of George Carlin's original seven dirty words, he noted in a later routine that the word fart (along with turd and twat), ought to be added to "the list" of words that were not acceptable (for broadcast) in any context (as opposed to words such as ass or cock which have non-offensive meanings).

With the rise of cable television and changing social mores in general, the word fart is (in 2006) frequently heard in the broadcast media. It is also now found in such places as children's literature, such as the Walter the Farting Dog series of children's books. While still considered impolite in some social contexts, much of the stigma surrounding the word has disappeared.

See also

• Flatulence
• Censorship
• Euphemism
• Four-letter word
• Profanity
• Seven dirty words
• The Gas We Pass
• Le Pétomane
• Mr. Methane

External links

• Fart Sounds Site focused on farts
• Fascinating Facts and Fantasies about Farting