BOWDLERIZING Meaning and
Definition
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Bowdlerizing is a term derived from the name of Thomas Bowdler, an English physician and editor. It refers to the practice of censoring, expurgating, or modifying literature, art, or other forms of media to remove or soften what is considered to be offensive, obscene, or morally questionable content. This term primarily applies to works composed of written words, such as books, plays, or poems.
When an individual or group engages in bowdlerizing, they alter or delete sections of the original material that are deemed to be inappropriate, in order to make it more suitable or acceptable for a particular audience. This may involve changes to language, themes, scenes, or characters, often done with the intention of conforming to prevailing societal standards, beliefs, or sensitivities.
Bowdlerizing can be seen as an act of censorship, as it involves altering an artist's original expression, potentially diminishing the artistic integrity or impact of the work. While the intentions behind bowdlerization may vary, it is often carried out with good intentions in mind, such as shielding certain audiences (usually young or conservative individuals) from potentially offensive or harmful content.
The term "bowdlerizing" has come to have a slightly negative connotation, as it can be seen as a form of intellectual or creative suppression. It is often debated whether bowdlerizing represents a legitimate and necessary form of editing, or if it infringes upon the freedom of expression and interpretation that artists should have.
Common Misspellings for BOWDLERIZING
Etymology of BOWDLERIZING
The word "Bowdlerizing" is derived from the surname of Thomas Bowdler, an English physician and editor who is known for his censoring of literary works. Bowdler published a revised and expurgated edition of William Shakespeare's plays in 1818 titled "The Family Shakespeare", with the intention of making them more suitable for family reading. In this edition, Bowdler removed or altered any content he deemed to be morally questionable, including profanity, sexual references, and violence. This led to the term "Bowdlerizing" being coined, which now refers to the act of censoring, altering, or removing material from a literary work in order to make it more acceptable to a wider audience.
Conjugate verb Bowdlerizing
CONDITIONAL
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FUTURE
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FUTURE PERFECT
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PAST
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PAST PERFECT
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PRESENT
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PRESENT PERFECT
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