Starving
/STAR-ving/ adjective/interjection
≈ “Fucking / Damn (adjective)”
Lift's personal curse word in the Stormlight Archive. Reflects her constant preoccupation with food and hunger.
“That was so starving awesome!”— Lift
Etymology
Lift is perpetually hungry (she converts food to Stormlight). Her personal curse word reflecting her greatest concern is a masterful character detail by Sanderson.
Usage History
Introduced with Lift's character. Used in Edgedancer and Rhythm of War.
Taboo Trajectory
Works specifically because of Lift's character. It would feel wrong from any other character, making it one of the most character-specific fictional curses.
Semantic Drift Timeline
Specific to Lift. Other characters don't use it as profanity. Remains her personal verbal tic throughout her appearances.
Regional Notes
Specific to Lift. Other Rosharans use 'storming.'
Real-World Euphemisms
FreakingFlippingDarnBlasted