While working, translators often have to decide if they want to translate a specific phrase literally or use an equivalent phrase in the target language, especially when dealing with two types of phrases: idioms (set phrases) and swearwords.
Swearwords, along with slang, are some of the most colorful and vibrant parts of any language. While their use is generally discouraged in academic, business or legal writing, they remain a vital part of casual and colloquial dialogue — you’ll find them peppered throughout books, movie scripts and conversations, all things that can be (and often are) translated.
Swear words and idioms fundamentally serve the same purpose, functioning as vehicles of self-expression, so it makes sense that the translation of both groups can be approached in a similar manner. Due to their context-reliant nature and varied usage, though, these words and phrases are often the most difficult parts of a translation job.