English

Noun

four-letter word ‎(plural four-letter words)

1. A reference to any of several of the strongest English swearwords that are also four letters long, especially those composing the so-called seven dirty words.
2. A swearword or any words considered to be taboo in a given scenario, (regardless of how many letters are actually in the word or words in question).
   • 1968, Work Is a Four-Letter Word, Cilla Black

     People say that you were born lazy / because you think that work is four-letter word.

   • 1996, Friend Is a Four-Letter Word, Cake

     To me, coming from you, 'Friend' is a four letter word.

Translations