Coprolalia
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Coprolalia is a morbid tendency to utter obscene and profane words without any external provocation, which in some cases grows into an irresistible urge. This symptom is most frequently observed in states of excitement among schizophrenics and progressive paralytics, and much less frequently in circular maniacs.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Coprolalia, see Sexual perversions. Coprolalia (from the Greek kopros - feces, filth, and lalia - speech), morbid tendency to utter obscene and profane words without any external provocation, which in some cases grows into an irresistible urge.
This symptom is most frequently observed in states of excitement among schizophrenics, progressive paralytics, and much less frequently in circular maniacs. In schizophrenia, C. is sometimes also observed in calm states with perfectly clear consciousness, acquiring in such cases the character of obsessive or impulsive actions.
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“Coprolalia.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/coprolalia/