Pronunciation: [ɒbsˈiːnnəs] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "obsceneness" can be quite tricky due to its multiple silent letters. The first "e" and the "s" are silent, but the following "n" and "e" are pronounced as "n" and "uh" respectively. The "-ness" suffix is pronounced as "nis," making the IPA phonetic transcription of the word /əbˈsinənɪs/. Despite its difficult spelling, obsceneness is commonly used to refer to something offensive or indecent.
Obsceneness refers to the quality or state of being offensive, vulgar, or morally objectionable, particularly in relation to language, behavior, or art forms. It is a characteristic that is generally deemed to deviate from accepted standards of decency and is perceived as improper or indecent by the prevailing societal norms.
The term obsceneness primarily pertains to sexually explicit or explicitly offensive content, although it can also encompass other forms of language or conduct that are considered offensive, such as racial slurs, hate speech, or depictions of violence. This term is often used to describe materials that are considered inappropriate or indecent due to their explicit or graphic nature, especially when their distribution or display is deemed unsuitable for certain audiences, such as minors.
The subjective nature of obsceneness often leads to debates about what constitutes obscenity. Legal frameworks in many jurisdictions seek to define and regulate obscene materials, setting guidelines or standards to protect public morality and maintain community standards. These widely-varying definitions often take into account factors such as the community's expectations and the potential harm caused by the content.
Overall, obsceneness refers to the quality of being offensive or indecent, primarily in relation to explicit or offensive sexual content or offensive language, and is often regulated by legal frameworks to maintain societal standards and protect public morality.
Impurity in language or action; lewdness.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "obsceneness" is derived from the root word "obscene", which came into Middle English from the Latin word "obscaenus". The Latin term was derived from the combination of the prefix "ob-" (meaning "in front of" or "facing") and the adjective "caenum" (meaning "filth" or "dirt"). Therefore, "obsceneness" ultimately means the state or quality of being obscene or vulgar, referring to something offensive, indecent, or morally objectionable.
