The paper studies the spoken act of swearing in the Croatian language, as well as the definition and etymology of the swear word itself. The elaboration of the topic begins with an explanation of the swear word and the verb to sweat in historical overview of swearing in the Croatian-speaking area. The aggression is briefly explained in verbal communication and the reasons why swearing involves taboo words. The most significant divisions of swearing are also listed, according to their function, form, meaning and purpose of use. The language criteria that determine the types of words in the speech act of swearing are explained, as well as the possibilities of the interlocutor's reaction to the insult. The list of collected swear words in the area of the town of Krapina was also analyzed, which showed that the most commonly used swear words are formed by the names of male and female sexual organs, and often blasphemy against God, Jesus and other saints from the Christian life.