Sod/sod off

Besides being a piece of lawn or turf, sod is also a British swear word that derives from an abbreviation of Sodomite. When it first appeared in the language c. 1870, sod meant a homosexual but gradually, during the 20th century, it ceased to have any connection with homosexuality or sodomy and simply became a mildly offensive expletive, as in calling someone a silly sod. However, sod off, as in telling someone to go away, is a strong and forthright injunction.