Rooted

Publisher’s description:
Bugger, rooted, strewth…What is it about Australians and swearing? We’ve got an international reputation for using a bloody good swear word or two. From the defiant curses of the convicts to the humour of Kath & Kim, Amanda Laugesen, Chief Editor of the Australian National Dictionary, takes us on an engrossing journey through the tumultuous history of Australia’s bad language

Bad language has been used in all sorts of ways in our history: to defy authority, as a form of liberation and subversion, and as a source of humour and creativity. It has also been used to oppress and punish. The story of bad language gives us a unique insight into Australia’s past and present – from the insolent to the offensive, with plenty of f-bombs along the way.

Author: Amanda Laugesen

Publisher: NewSouth Publishing

Format: Paperback

Pages: 320

Published:1 November 2026

ISBN: