TABOOS Meaning and
Definition
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Taboos are societal rules or norms that dictate what is considered forbidden or prohibited within a particular culture or community. These rules are typically deeply ingrained and are often enforced through strong social disapproval or punishment. Taboos are associated with certain actions, behaviors, or subjects that are deemed as immoral, disrespectful, inappropriate, or even dangerous.
Taboos are rooted in cultural beliefs, values, religious principles, or traditions and vary widely across different societies and periods of time. They can relate to a wide range of topics, including sexuality, religion, politics, death, and bodily functions. Taboos may also extend to certain food or animals, with dietary restrictions and rituals established around particular items.
The purpose of taboos is to maintain social order, harmony, and cohesion within a community. They serve as social boundaries or guidelines that individuals should adhere to in order to avoid negative consequences, such as ostracism or punishment. Taboos play a crucial role in shaping and maintaining cultural identity, preserving moral values, and regulating behaviors within a given society.
It is important to note that taboos can evolve and change over time as societies develop and modify their values. In some cases, breaking a taboo may bring about progressive changes, challenging existing norms or prejudices. However, defying taboos can also result in severe social consequences for individuals, including judgment, discrimination, and social isolation.
Top Common Misspellings for TABOOS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for TABOOS
Etymology of TABOOS
The word "taboos" is derived from the Polynesian language, specifically the Tongan and Maori dialects. In Tongan, the word is "tabu", and in Maori, it is "tapu". The concept of taboos emerged from these Polynesian cultures and was later adopted by anthropologists and sociologists to describe cultural practices or beliefs that are considered sacred, prohibited, or unclean. Over time, the term "taboo" has become more widely used and is now recognized and understood across various languages and cultures.
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