adj ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Adjective

1. 1
   Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see four-letter: containing four letters.
2. 2
   Consisting of or characterised by swear words and profanity.

   "a four-letter reply, a four-letter insult, a four-letter tirade"

Example

More examples

"You can't say four-letter words on TV."

Etymology

Figurative use modelled on four-letter word.

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.