Steven Pinker: Language, Taboo Words and Indirect Speech
Talks at Google · Talk · YouTube title: The Stuff of Thought | Steven Pinker | Talks at Google
Why it's here
HN commenters cite it for Pinker's analysis of profanity and of why talking about taboo words differs from using them.
What it covers
Steven Pinker presents his book The Stuff of Thought at Google in 2007. He covers language as a window into human nature, including taboo words, swearing and the psychology and game theory of indirect speech like bribery.