AN ANALYSIS OF TABOO WORDS FOUND IN LIL DICKY’S SONG LYRICS ON ALBUM PROFESSIONAL RAPPER

This research investigates taboo words in the lyrics of the song by Lil Dicky in the album entitled Professional Rapper. This study mainly aims to (1) to classify the types of taboo words found in the lyrics of the song and (2) to analyse and explain the functions of taboo words used in the song lyrics. The descriptive qualitative method was used in this study to analyze the use of taboo words in the song lyrics. This method was applied in order to give a clear analysis on the data according the theory proposed by Batistella (2005) and Wardhaugh (2006). The results of this research shows that four types of taboo words occur in the lyrics of the song. They are epithet, profanity, vulgarity and obscenity. Based on the analysis, there are 295 data concerning to the types and functions of taboo words. The most common type found is obscenity. Obscenity is the highest type found in the lyrics of the song since it is believed being the most effective way to offend somebody. The lowest occurrence of taboo words type is profanity. Profanity is the least type of taboo word found in the song's lyrics because the vocalist believes that profanity may successfully harm other people's dignity. Four functions of taboo words are found in the song lyrics: to show contempt, to draw attention to oneself, to be provocative, and to mock authority. The most function found is to show contempt and the last is to mock authority.