But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

Why Are Some Words 'Bad'?

<p>In this episode, we tackle why some words are "bad". Plus: Why do people say bad words? Why aren't kids allowed to say cuss words? Why is the middle finger bad? And adults, don't worry, we won't actually be using any bad words in this episode! But we will explore the psychology and brain science behind bad words with Benjamin Bergen, professor of cognitive science at University of California, San Diego. He's the author of What the F: What Swearing Reveals About Our Language, Our Brains, and Ourselves.</p>
<p>Download our learning guides: <a href="https://www.vpr.org/sites/vpr/files/202009/why_are_some_words_bad_.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PDF</a> | <a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1YF7Tb4CIbXRpxB3f5Db1VXBpAf9ZfJKma7ry2K-bhAQ/copy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Google Slide</a> | <a href="https://www.vpr.org/sites/vpr/files/202005/but-why-kids-106-bad-words-TRANSCRIPT.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Transcript</a></p>

But Why is a show led by kids. They ask the questions and we find the answers. It’s a big interesting world out there. On But Why, we tackle topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world. Know a kid with a question? Record it with a smartphone. Be sure to include your kid's first name, age, and town and send the recording to questions@butwhykids.org!