Vladimir Putin Bans Russia's Four Most Important Curse Words

Vladimir Putin Bans Russia's Four Most Important Curse Words

I was surprised to hear on the streets of St Petersburg that modern Russians throw around "pizda" ("cunt," one of the four forbidden words) as frequently as we would say "shit." Of course, Putin's administration didn't ban these words from street life, just from public performances.

"There are exceptions, but they're extremely murky. The Ministry of Culture claims the swearing ban will only affect 'pop culture' and will not apply to 'art.' But the difference between 'pop culture' and 'art' is whatever the Kremlin says it is."