Definition of obscene

The word "obscene" derives from the Latin word "obscaenus," which means "filthy" or "dirty." It was originally used to describe something that was fit only for Private use and was meant to be kept hidden from public view. In the 16th century, the term started to be used in England to refer to any material that was considered indecent or immoral, particularly in a sexual context. These materials were often labeled as "obscene books" or "obscene libels," and their distribution was banned by law. During the 19th century, the concept of obscenity became closely tied to issues of public morality and the protection of children. The courts began to use increasingly strict standards for deciding what was considered obscene, with a focus on the potential harm that could be caused by exposure to indecent materials. Today, obscenity continues to be a subject of legal and philosophical debate, with opinions varying widely on what constitutes acceptable levels of explicitness or sexual content in different contexts. However, the basic roots of the word remain clear - "obscene" at its core refers to something that is considered too dirty or immoral to be exposed to the public in a wholesome society.