Words that refer to taboo subjects in Al-Jahiz’s works
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Abstract
Al-Jahiz (d. 255 AH) is one of the most prominent authors of the Abbasid era, known for his literary boldness and his use of prohibited or taboo words as a critical tool to expose social, moral, and religious hypocrisy. This study examines how Al-Jahiz employed insulting and satirical terms such as (coward, miser, donkey, dog, heretic) in social, theological, and ethical critique to reveal contradictions between appearance and actual behavior. The research highlights the rhetorical functions of these words and their symbolic impact on society, connecting them to the ongoing phenomenon of verbal violence in contemporary times. It also emphasizes the role of language in exposing societal falsehoods and establishing it as a powerful rhetorical and critical instrument across ages
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