“Ma stai zitta cagna che non sei nessuno!” Un'indagine linguistica sulle pratiche di hate speech e di cyberbullismo

The insult represents a very common linguistic device within everyday communication practicesand this condition is a constant of historical character. Common opinion tends to view insult as alow register item, generally referring to the use of foul language and excessive emotionalmanifestations. The insult used for playful or affective purposes is however perceived as a trait ofa low linguistic variety. Insult is a reprehensible practice, which is censored both in the schooland in academic environment, but it is widespread in political and informal communication.Within the language sciences, the insult is classified as a hostile linguistic act and there are fewresearch contributions compared to a field of study so significant and evident in common life. Inthis contribution we will deal with the results of a research on the use of insult in the context ofcyberbullying practices within social media.