Vulgarism as a structure, gesture and political project

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the phenomenon of profanity, shifting from a moral assessment to a systemic approach. Drawing on the work of Benjamin K. Bergen, the text explores the neurobiological foundations of taboo language, highlighting the role of the basal ganglia and self-control mechanisms. The author analyzes how forbidden words evolve over time—from neutral terms, through taboo status, to processes of reappropriation and dehumanization in political discourse. Another important element is the understanding of gestures as an embodied form of profanity, which poses new challenges for transnational AI content moderation systems. The overall work sheds new light on how "bad language" constructs power hierarchies and negotiates the boundaries of recognition in modern society, combining linguistics with neurolaw and cognitive science.