George Orwell. Down and out in Paris and London (№ 238286)

The desire to hurt would seem to find a definition of something nefarious, however in life the degree of offensiveness of words is not enough linked to the actual content. For example, the most severe insult among Londoners is the "bastard", although the value of the "bastard child" hardly offensive. The worst insult to women in London and in Paris - "cow" that might sound like a compliment, because the cow is one of the cutest animals. Obviously, the word becomes offensive only because it so prescribe and perceive, regardless of the lexical base. The meaning of words, especially swear, it's always a choice of public opinion.