The Strategic Use of Debasing and Vulgar Language in Italy’s Contemporary Politics: Beppe Grillo and Matteo Salvini

Abstract

This chapter addresses the debasing and rude public language of Matteo Salvini, secretary of the Lega party, and the derisory and deliberate contemptuous language of Beppe Grillo, founder and guarantor of the Movimento 5 Stelle, instantiated in speeches at meetings or occurring on social networks. The expressions examined cover the period preceding the general election of 2018 and the following years, including the time when Salvini was Interior Minister in the same government together with the Movimento 5 Stelle. This public discourse style used to express ideas and to attack adversaries exploits derisory and foul language and vulgar remarks as pragmatic devices aimed at activating or evoking an emotional reading of the facts. Its persuasive strength is typically based on latent attitudes in traditionalist groups and on the securitization of many aspects of social life.