Unmentionable vs Taboo: What’s the Difference?
The difference at a glance
Unmentionable describes a social awkwardness or etiquette concern. Taboo defines a deep-seated cultural or moral restriction.
Example sentences are illustrative learning examples, not verified quotations.
What does Unmentionable mean?
adjective / noun · /ʌnˈmɛn.ʃən.ə.bəl/
Too embarrassing, offensive, or shocking to be mentioned directly — requiring circumlocution, euphemism, or silence. In the 19th century, 'unmentionables' was a Victorian euphemism for underwear.
Explore UnmentionableUnmentionable in a sentence
The Victorians called trousers 'unmentionables', which tells you everything about their relationship with the body.
She changed the subject whenever the unmentionable topic came up.
What does Taboo mean?
noun / adjective · /təˈbuː/
A prohibition against discussing or doing something — a subject, action, or object that is forbidden by social, religious, or cultural convention. Taboos define the limits of the acceptable and mark the boundaries of the community.
Explore TabooTaboo in a sentence
Captain Cook brought the word 'taboo' back from Tonga in 1777 — one of English's genuine borrowings from the Pacific.
Every culture has taboos around death, sex, and food — the body's three great territories.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Unmentionable and Taboo?
Unmentionable describes a social awkwardness or etiquette concern. Taboo defines a deep-seated cultural or moral restriction.
What does Unmentionable mean?
Too embarrassing, offensive, or shocking to be mentioned directly — requiring circumlocution, euphemism, or silence. In the 19th century, 'unmentionables' was a Victorian euphemism for underwear.
What does Taboo mean?
A prohibition against discussing or doing something — a subject, action, or object that is forbidden by social, religious, or cultural convention. Taboos define the limits of the acceptable and mark the boundaries of the community.