The Use of Taboo Words in Nicki Minaj’s Song Lyrics

Sociolinguistics Perspective

Abstract

The use of taboo words in song lyrics is one of the phenomena that occur in society. However, in this era, taboo words have become commonplace. It not only exists in song lyrics, but also in films, in daily conversation, and so on. This research tries to analyze the types and functions of taboo words in song lyrics from a sociolinguistic perspective. The theories of Jay (2009) and Wardhaugh (2006) will be used in this research. The analysis is carried out using three song lyrics on Nicki Minaj's Queen album, and will obtain seven types and four functions of taboo words in the song lyrics. The research results showed seven types of taboo words, namely: cursing, profanity, obscenity, sexual harassment, vulgar language, name-calling, and insult. Each type has a different function depending on the context. Of the four functions mentioned, there are only three functions, namely: draw attention, show contempt, and be provocative. From the data analysis that has been carried out, the types and functions of taboo that often appear are vulgar language and show contempt.