Fry's Planet Word - Series 1 Ep. 3 - Use & Abuse

Episode Info

Synopsis

This programme looks at the ways language is used and abused. While not everyone approves of ‘bad’ language, Stephen learns that swearing plays an important part in human communication the world over. He undergoes an MRI scan and discovers the parts of the brain associated with swearing – and meets a sufferer of Tourettes and a stroke patient who swear they can’t help using the F-word. Stephen and Brian Blessed participate in some rather colourful experiments to examine how swearing can help relieve pain. Stephen discusses the positive and negative power of ‘bad’ words in humour and social interactions, with Armando Iannucci, Stephen K Amos and Omid Djalili, and discovers how we use double entendres, euphemisms, and politesse to hide true meanings. Stephen meets nurses, sailors, teenagers, and rappers to discover how slang and jargon can both aid and thwart clear communication, but ultimately add to the richness and texture of language.

See all available episodes (5)

Episode Info:

Release:

2011

Running Time:

60 min

Certificate:

Suitable only for 15 years and over

Availability:

• Watch online: Unavailable
• Download: Unavailable

Genre:

• Documentary

Cast:

• Stephen Fry

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More episodes from this series

• In this programme, Stephen Fry explores ‘The Written Word’.

  Spreading The Word Series 1 - Ep. 4

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• Stephen uncovers why certain words can make us laugh, cry or tear our hair out.

  The Power and the Glory Series 1 - Ep. 5

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• In this first episode Stephen seeks to uncover the origins of human language.

  Babel Series 1 - Ep. 1

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• What is it that defines us?

  Identity Series 1 - Ep. 2

  Not Available

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