Bowdleriser meaning

A bowdleriser is a person who censors or edits material considered to be inappropriate or offensive.


Bowdleriser definitions

Word backwards resireldwob
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "bowdleriser" is a noun.
Syllabic division bow-dler-iser
Plural The plural form of the word "bowdleriser" is bowdlerisers.
Total letters 11
Vogais (3) o,e,i
Consonants (6) b,w,d,l,r,s

When it comes to literature, the role of a bowdleriser is to censor or modify content to make it more suitable for a particular audience. This practice is often controversial as it involves altering the original text to conform to societal norms or to remove content deemed inappropriate.

Definition of a Bowdleriser

A bowdleriser is someone who edits content, typically literary works, to remove material deemed offensive, vulgar, or inappropriate. This process is named after Thomas Bowdler, an English physician who published an expurgated version of William Shakespeare's works in 1818. Bowdler's intention was to provide a family-friendly version of these classic texts by removing any content that he found objectionable.

Controversy Surrounding Bowdlerisation

While the intent behind bowdlerisation may be well-meaning, it often raises issues of censorship and artistic integrity. Critics argue that altering a piece of literature changes the author's original intent and compromises the work's artistic value. Additionally, the act of selecting which content to censor is subjective and can vary depending on the bowdleriser's personal beliefs and biases.

Impact on Literature and Culture

The practice of bowdlerisation has had a lasting impact on literature and culture. It has influenced the way certain works are perceived and has shaped public attitudes towards censorship and free speech. While some argue that certain texts should be modified to make them more accessible to different audiences, others believe that preserving the integrity of the original work is paramount.

In conclusion, a bowdleriser plays a significant role in shaping how we engage with literature and other forms of media. While the practice of censorship is not without its controversies, it remains a complex issue that continues to spark debate among scholars, authors, and readers alike.


Bowdleriser Examples

  1. The bowdleriser removed all the explicit content from the novel before publishing.
  2. As a bowdleriser, he ensured that the movie was suitable for all audiences.
  3. The bowdleriser censored the lyrics of the song to make it more family-friendly.
  4. Her job as a bowdleriser involved editing out the offensive language in the script.
  5. The bowdleriser carefully reviewed the text to eliminate any inappropriate scenes.
  6. He hired a bowdleriser to clean up the manuscript and appeal to a wider audience.
  7. The bowdleriser's changes to the play toned down the controversial themes.
  8. She worked as a bowdleriser for the publishing company, making sure the books were suitable for all readers.
  9. The bowdleriser's edits aimed to make the article more politically correct.
  10. The author was unhappy with the bowdleriser's alterations to his original text.


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  • Updated 30/06/2024 - 14:45:06