Expletive definition

Expletive

Topics Expletive Definition

WordNet

(1) Profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger

"Expletives were deleted"

(2) A word or phrase conveying no independent meaning but added to fill out a sentence or metrical line

WiktionaryText

From , from , the perfect passive participle of , itself from + .

A word without meaning added to fill a syntactic position.

Example: - It in It is snowing
A word that adds to the strength of a phrase without affecting its meaning.

Example: - bloody in I'll give you a bloody good hiding.
A profane, vulgar term, notably a curse or obscene oath.