Learning about Swear Words?

[Lote-Tree]

Why not?

It is part of the language.

We should learn it, use it, explore it?


What say you?

[ennison]

Swears are verbal aggression and that's only a half step from physical aggression. So no. It's easy to cope without them.

[Lote-Tree]

Swears are verbal aggression and that's only a half step from physical aggression. So no. It's easy to cope without them.

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me? :-)

[motherhubbard]

I think this language limits our intellect and our possibilities. It shows a lack of respect for others and self.

[Lote-Tree]

I think this language limits our intellect and our possibilities. It shows a lack of respect for others and self.

Language is also about expression. It will limit our ability to express?

[motherhubbard]

It challenges us to broaden our ability to express intelligently and without causing offence.

[Lote-Tree]

It challenges us to broaden our ability to express intelligently and without causing offence.

It does not have to offend anyone does it?

I can use F words with directed at anyone?

[kathycf]

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me? :-)
Anybody who has coped with or been a victim of verbal abuse will know that "sticks and stones" statement is incorrect. By verbal abuse, I am not referring to calling somebody a "goofball"...I am talking about systematic abuse.

Words are the very way we communicate. Well, we can communicate without words, for example facial expression, body language convey meaning. However, I think it is safe to say words are our primary mode of communcation. Even people who cannot speak can communicate with written language or sign language.

To say that people cannot be harmed by language is in my humble opinion completely untrue.

Words express ideas ( I know, I am not telling anybody anything they don't know, but still). Many people happily and easily express themselves without using curse words. How does that limit expression?

[Lote-Tree]

You make a good point Kath.

Regards,
Lote.

[WhimsySA]

I think kathy definately has a point there. Swearing is really not necessary.

People say kids (and teenagers) are like sponges right? Whatever they hear they will end up saying. I think that growing up in a society like I do it is quite hard to restrain from swearing because every day you are hearing people cursing. I'm not saying that it makes it right, just that it makes really hard not to swear.

However, I also think that swearing makes people more agressive, and agressive people aren't happy people and I like happy people because I'm a happy person.

Then again, swearing could be a way to express great emotion (like in music).

I don't know, maybe swearing is a really bad thing, but as I say, I'm exposed to it all the time and it doesn't really bother me much.

[andave_ya]

yyyes. I've been raised never to swear because in the Christian faith, swearing is taking God's name in vain. So...for me there's a lot of stigma attatched to it. Recently, I've been exposed to lots of really serious swearing and it's kinda shocking. In school especially. My professor will relate a sad story and the lady sitting next to me will say "Oh, f***" in sympathy. sympathy! That word means something that really CAN'T be construed sympathetically.

[kilted exile]

Ok, I dont have an issue with swearing - in real life I have a tendency to do it on a fairly regular basis. However I make more of an attempt to "keep a civil tongue in my head" (as my grannie would say) if I am in formal/unfamiliar company.

[Countess]

I was raised not to swear, but I have a bad habit of using the d, h, and a words - the more innocuous ones. I HATE the GD word, however, and the F word, and will only use the F word (in writing) as an expression of intense rage, because that one word captures so much in four letters.
I'm with Kathy, though. The most harmful words in our language are not the F word, but words like "fatty", "whore", "you're worthless; you'll never amount to anything".
Those words don't just offend; they destroy souls.

[Lote-Tree]

...and will only use the F word (in writing) as an expression of intense rage, because that one word captures so much in four letters.


And that does not have to be directed at anyone in particular :-)

Note: I don't normally swear but I can swear as hell but only in a like minded company :-)

I think Swear Words should not be eliminated from our language...it can be used and explored but in a context that is suitable...

[Nightshade]

You know the odd thing is in arabic/muslim say God isnt considered a bad thing even when your mad and if you are swearing as in promising its only thing your supposed to say. I was always shocking my poor Oma when I was little by saying God and God that. I do have a tendcy to swear in RL quite a fair bit but I dont nesserially use swaer words to swear. Its more fun to use other things I think. I mean swearing has little to do with the languge but more how you say it. so usually I just swear usuing whatever words come to mind , rats tails buckets of Blood, Spianch boiled onions peaches Ive used them and alot more.

[kathycf]

People say kids (and teenagers) are like sponges right? Whatever they hear they will end up saying. I think that growing up in a society like I do it is quite hard to restrain from swearing because every day you are hearing people cursing. I'm not saying that it makes it right, just that it makes really hard not to swear.

You have a point, and I think it does make it hard if all your contemporaries swear. It isn't so much that I freak out if I hear or read a curse word...I do swear on occasion (usualy in traffic jams...I hate driving.:lol: ) It just gets extremely tiresome and disturbing to hear or read a constant stream of vulgar profanity.

The thing about kids and sponges...I notice some parents think it is ever so cute and clever when 3 year old Jimmy or Suzy swears "Aw, isn't that cute!" giggle giggle. Then Jimmy or Suzy gets to be about 12 and then it isn't so cute anymore. Teachers don't typically put up with profanity in the classroom and parents do their children a disservice with this sort of nonsense.


. In school especially. My professor will relate a sad story and the lady sitting next to me will say "Oh, f***" in sympathy. sympathy! That word means something that really CAN'T be construed sympathetically.
Well, to you it doesn't convey sympathy. I am not excusing swearing, but it can take on an "everyday" aspect for some people. They don't understand how very offensive that sort of language can be to many people. I have heard people say "Oh f***" as an exclamation of dismay.


... the F word, and will only use the F word (in writing) as an expression of intense rage, because that one word captures so much in four letters.
Yes, it does. I think when it is over used it robs the word of it's impact. I think the context is important, and in writing it might seem weird for a character to express intense anger in any other fashion except by cursing. You might not expect Miss Marple to use the "f" word, but you could rightly expect another character type to. I think in fiction, the language should illustrate the character.

I'm with Kathy, though. The most harmful words in our language are not the F word, but words like "fatty", "whore", "you're worthless; you'll never amount to anything".
Those words don't just offend; they destroy souls.
Indeed. I have dark memories of just that sort of thing, as I think many of us do.


And that does not have to be directed at anyone in particular :-)

Note: I don't normally swear but I can swear as hell but only in a like minded company :-)

I think Swear Words should not be eliminated from our language...it can be used and explored but in a context that is suitable...
I agree with you here, Lote. In fiction a swear word does not have to be construed as being directed at the reader. I don't think swearing could be eliminated from the language, nor do I think it should be. I just think there are plenty of instances where it is offensive and harmful. In other words, we could easily survive as a species if swearing were elminated tomorrow, but then I would have nothing to scream at people who cut me off in traffic...except a personally somewhat unsatisfying "Oh Fiddle!". (of course I don't really scream at the other drivers....I have my windows rolled up. :D


I dont nesserially use swaer words to swear. Its more fun to use other things I think. I mean swearing has little to do with the languge but more how you say it. so usually I just swear usuing whatever words come to mind , rats tails buckets of Blood, Spianch boiled onions peaches Ive used them and alot more.
Like in andave_ya's blog entry. OMGA! :lol:
I've taken to use "oh tartar sauce" which is from SpongeBob Squarepants.

[SleepyWitch]

swear words are fun :)
i don't use them towards people, only objects, though.. and only at home or in my free time, not in official settings or when there are kids around.

[Reccura]

I HATE swearwords!!! I cringe when I hear them. I'm totally against them, I just hope people would stop saying it and stop making it into their expressions...

[Madhuri]

I have never used swear words. Whenever I am angry at anyone, the only bad words (supposedly) that I can say are -- Stupid, Idiot, fool, Bewakoof (Hindi for fool), Budd-tameez (Urdu word for mannerless) :rolleyes: :lol:

[Reccura]

Nice! me too. I even invented a swear word -- and it works!! wanna know? 'FURLET'. It doesn't mean anything in the world, but whenever I'm super annoyed at things, I say it as loud as I can. It really works for me. Lain said it doesn't work for her, because it really doesn't mean anything to her... haha :D

[Lote-Tree]

I have never used swear words.


Never? It is like saying you never tasted Mangoes :-)



Whenever I am angry at anyone, the only bad words (supposedly) that I can say are -- Stupid, Idiot, fool, Bewakoof (Hindi for fool), Budd-tameez (Urdu word for mannerless) :rolleyes: :lol:


But Indian Languages are full of many colourful swear words? :-)

[Stanislaw]

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me? :-)

Well, that implies that words will not cause physical pain, as my old friend used to say...if you ain't bleedin, you aint hurt :D

but...what if I threw a dictionary at you :D

a little more seriously though, words can cause psycological damage, and that can eventually lead into physical damage either thru poor health or self destructive acts.


The thing about kids and sponges...I notice some parents think it is ever so cute and clever when 3 year old Jimmy or Suzy swears "Aw, isn't that cute!" giggle giggle. Then Jimmy or Suzy gets to be about 12 and then it isn't so cute anymore. Teachers don't typically put up with profanity in the classroom and parents do their children a disservice with this sort of nonsense.

Like in andave_ya's blog entry. OMGA! :lol:
I've taken to use "oh tartar sauce" which is from SpongeBob Squarepants.

I agree, remember the ol' blank slate concept. ;)

Also, I'm a fan of the Eugene Levy F#$$ crying out loud...just keep saying crying out loud after the F word and eventually you'll just say for crying out loud.


swear words are fun :)
i don't use them towards people, only objects, though.. and only at home or in my free time, not in official settings or when there are kids around.

:D I work at a computer helpdesk...so, the majority of my swearing takes place at work :D , but I agree, there is a time and a place where swearing, is less inappropriat. :)

[aeroport]

Hmm, swear words...

Well, to answer the original question, I see no reason why one shouldn't learn about swear words. I don't suppose I take them as seriously as words with specific, prescripted meanings - words that can actually be misused when not handled properly. But swear words are there. There's no getting around it.
For the general discussion:
For my part, I really think such words have little place outside of the realm of humor. They do have a lot of humorous potential, and I certainly find myself often 'rolling on the floor laughing' when reading a story of, say, Samuel Beckett's in which an artfully-placed expletive is often just the thing needed to give it that bit of dark humor. I will concede, however, that it is probably the very seriousness of the words that makes this 'dark' humor. I say 'curses!' occasionally, when a bit frustrated, but rarely go further since getting out of high school.
Regarding the 'f-bomb':
I don't know, when I think about it, that I really see anything wrong with using this term to refer to intercourse. I think it's actually rather handy to have a word for it that doesn't require a preposition. :) Additionally, considering the cognates in other Germanic languages, I do not know that it should be looked upon as so offensive. But then, my opinion is probably not going to change anything. However, it obviously has as vulgar a ring to my ears as to anyone's. I do tend to cringe when I hear people use it in the very serious, deeply-aggrieved-by-the-unfairness-of-the-universe tone - that is, actually cursing with it. It just seems very unreasonable to me.
However, the words themselves are not offensive at all. Some people may choose to be offended, but that is certainly no cause for inordinate fastidiousness. It is my experience that people always will have little things that bother them, I suppose generally owing to their upbringing; but it is certainly not my responsibility to cater to that. That said, as kathy was saying, any form of verbal abuse specifically directed toward any individual or group - whether it employs expletives or not - is, in my opinion, entirely unacceptable.




I think that growing up in a society like I do it is quite hard to restrain from swearing because every day you are hearing people cursing.

I don't know, maybe swearing is a really bad thing, but as I say, I'm exposed to it all the time and it doesn't really bother me much.

For those who do not know much in the way of German, I believe the loose translation of WhimsySA's location is "F***-castle". :lol:

[Lote-Tree]

Well, that implies that words will not cause physical pain, as my old friend used to say...if you ain't bleedin, you aint hurt :D

but...what if I threw a dictionary at you :D


Yes dictionary hitting will hurt of course. But not the words that dictionary contains :-)

But you could throw dictionary and not hit anyone. Just like with words you can throw them but not hit anyone in particular :-)



a little more seriously though, words can cause psycological damage, and that can eventually lead into physical damage either thru poor health or self destructive acts.


So can love or the lack of it...... :-)

[manolia]

swear words are fun :)
i don't use them towards people, only objects, though.. and only at home or in my free time, not in official settings or when there are kids around.

Hi sleeepy.
Hehe i know a lot of swear words in german. You people are very creative you know!

[Stanislaw]

...
So can love or the lack of it...... :-)

No arguments from me on this point, it seems abstract ideas are sometimes the most damaging. ;)

[kandaurov]

Not that I like them, no, but Swear Words, like Lies, are necessary. While Lies hold society together, not to mention social conventions, Swear Words are very useful spleen-venting devices. I'd rather see a guy saying a curse word from time to time than see him store everything in until the water fills over the brim and he breaks out, with verbal or physical violence.

Oh, and apparently you are mistaking "swear words" for "insults". As I believe someone has mentioned, it is not necessarily the same thing.

[kathycf]

Hmm, swear words...

... I see no reason why when reading a story of, say, Samuel Beckett's in which an artfully-placed expletive is often just the thing needed to give it that bit of dark humor.
I agree swearing has a place in fiction and that there are times that a well placed expletive expresses quite a great deal. Well placed to me, isn't "constant stream of" (and I realize you didn't say constant stream either.)

That is why I don't think profanity should be "done away with" (as if that would be even remotely possible anyway...what would we have then, the @##$$**&% police?) :p I just think there are certain people who feel profanity to be a much needed part of their vocabulary and that just doesn't seem right to me.


For those who do not know much in the way of German, I believe the loose translation of WhimsySA's location is "F***-castle". :lol:

Ficksburg is an actual town in South Africa, so I think we must take Whimsy's location as being on the level. ;) It looks like they are having some nice weather (http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/68449.html) there today, but perhaps rain showers tomorrow. The I in "Fick" makes all the difference. :p :lol:

[andave_ya]

I agree swearing has a place in fiction and that there are times that a well placed expletive expresses quite a great deal.

There I agree with you. well-placed being the operative word. The stuff I like to read, British mysteries from the 30s like Sayers and Christie, really uses the d-word in a way that really sends home the drama.

[SleepyWitch]

Hi sleeepy.
Hehe i know a lot of swear words in german. You people are very creative you know!

:D we gotta be creative at something

[Virgil]

For my part, I really think such words have little place outside of the realm of humor. They do have a lot of humorous potential, and I certainly find myself often 'rolling on the floor laughing' when reading a story of, say, Samuel Beckett's in which an artfully-placed expletive is often just the thing needed to give it that bit of dark humor. I will concede, however, that it is probably the very seriousness of the words that makes this 'dark' humor. I say 'curses!' occasionally, when a bit frustrated, but rarely go further since getting out of high school.


The other place in literature it has a place is when trying to capture a certain realism. People use crude swear words and some people use them a lot. Hey, I grew up in Brooklyn, NY and they are quite prolific there. If my parents knew the language I used as an adolescent, they would have washed my mouth out with soap every day. Lucky I had the sense to use it only in a guy talk setting.

[Hyacinth42]

I use swear words quite profusely. Even when in school, and in front of teachers, and have gotten many shocked/your being stupid looks from people multiple times. But I personaly think it's stupid to use words like "darn", "fudge", "freak", "dang", "drat", and any silly phrases we use instead of cursing. The same thing is meant when you use those words, and yet it is socially acceptable to use them. To me, it is pointless to use substitutes for bad words when the meaning is the same.

[Bakiryu]

As a person who has been and still is psycologically abused and still is I know how much words can hurt. But still use swear words, just not in my home languages such as german or japanese and only when i'm specially mad.

[Madhuri]

Never? It is like saying you never tasted Mangoes :-)

I have definitely tasted mangoes, but yet to use swear words. I might use swear words that Night uses -- Flaming rats tails bucket :p, or something like that. :lol:

It's just the way I grew up, and the circles that I have been with, nobody uses such words. I have seen guys talking like that often, but they do it with other guys only, just like Virgil says - In a typical guy setting. If there is a girl around, they use more civilized language. There are also people, especially the bus conductors, who use atleast one swear word after every few words spoken, and they do not bother that there is a whole bus that listens to what they are talking about. :rolleyes:


But Indian Languages are full of many colourful swear words? :-)

Those are not the only 'colourful' words that Indian languages have. I personally find such typical words very vulgar.

I don't know what's so great in using such words in public or private. I don't think these should be given so much importance as a must have in the way people speak.

[the silent x]

I think the use of the word all depends on the circumstances surrounding the use. If I am talking to my friend and he mock-insults me, I'm going to mock-insult him back, and I have been verbally abused before. If I say F--- off to some kid with a goofy smile on my face, and in a way that is dripping jokeing, that kid shouldn't take it seriously, it's when people say f--- off and mean it that it's used improperly.
Another thing, sometimes words are caused by spur of the moment consequences. If I dropped somehting very heavy on my foot, I will let out my pain in words, because i know that if I hold it in, the next person to talk will get an earful from me. I will let it out in one simple word, not some long-unpronouncable-walking-dictionary word.
Now that i have said that, i don't condone the use of words like that in front of women, unless i am quoting someone.

[motherhubbard]

But I personaly think it's stupid to use words like "darn", "fudge", "freak", "dang", "drat", and any silly phrases we use instead of cursing. The same thing is meant when you use those words, and yet it is socially acceptable to use them. To me, it is pointless to use substitutes for bad words when the meaning is the same.



Another thing, sometimes words are caused by spur of the moment consequences. If I dropped somehting very heavy on my foot, I will let out my pain in words, because i know that if I hold it in, the next person to talk will get an earful from me. I will let it out in one simple word, not some long-unpronouncable-walking-dictionary word.


I don't use these fake swear words. I agree that it is the same thing as using a real swear word. I don't use this language because I don't think this language. It is a matter of self-control. There was a time that I had this language in my heart, and when I thought those words came up and when I spoke those words came out, but no longer. I think that your language (what comes out of your mouth, not what a character you are writing says) is a reflection of what is in your heart. In my house there are many normal words that are "bad" words. We don’t say stupid, shut up, and many others. I don't like the feel of it. I try to encourage self respect, and respect for others. So even when I drop something on my toe I just say OUCH!

[papayahed]

I generally don't us swear words for the simple fact that the people around me or within ear shot may not want to hear such words. Albiet there is a time and place but in general every day life I don't need swear words.

I'm one of the fake swear words user, it's more creative. "Son of a monkey's Uncle" is way more creative then Bastard. Swear words are to easy.

[Idril]

I generally don't us swear words for the simple fact that the people around me or within ear shot may not want to hear such words.

My sister is awful about this, we'll be having a personal conversation in a restaurant or some other place where there are a lot of people around, children, families and she'll be swearing like a sailor and she's LOUD! It's so embarrassing. I'll point it out to her and she'll stop for about 5 minutes. :rolleyes:

I swore a lot when I was younger, when I was hanging around my friends but swearing wasn't allowed in my house so I learned from an early age to be very selective about when and where I swore, a lesson my sister apparently never learned. :p Now, in addition to having children of my own and being careful not to swear around them and working with very young children, my vocabulary has changed. The first thing that comes out of my mouth when I'm shocked or stub a toe or something is usually either 'jiminy crickets' or 'goodness gracious' or possibly 'good heavens'. It makes my adult friends giggle but that's what happens when you're around children all day, like using the word, 'potty' instead of bathroom in everyday conversation. :blush:

[Lote-Tree]

I have definitely tasted mangoes, but yet to use swear words. I might use swear words that Night uses -- Flaming rats tails bucket :p, or something like that. :lol:


Try the F word when you are really p*** 'offed ;)



It's just the way I grew up, and the circles that I have been with, nobody uses such words.


You must keep very boring company Madhuri :-) - you need to widen your circle of friends ;-) Just kiddin :-)



I have seen guys talking like that often, but they do it with other guys only, just like Virgil says - In a typical guy setting.


My circle of women friends can swear through their back teeth!!! - hummm....perhaps I need to get a better set of women friends :-) but they express well and I love them for it. And also they smell nice and beautiful to boot :-)



Those are not the only 'colourful' words that Indian languages have. I personally find such typical words very vulgar.


Even the intellectuals use the F words :-) but yes very vulgar :-)



I don't know what's so great in using such words in public or private. I don't think these should be given so much importance as a must have in the way people speak.

As I said next you are really peeved off try the F word - it is quite satisfying :-)

Regards,
Lote

Note - I don't swear but in the right context - I can swear like hell and it is quite satisfying :-)

[aeroport]

The other place in literature it has a place is when trying to capture a certain realism. People use crude swear words and some people use them a lot.
How I overlooked this while reading Ulysses is quite beyond me, but I certainly agree.


If my parents knew the language I used as an adolescent, they would have washed my mouth out with soap every day.
Likewise.

[Stanislaw]

I use swear words quite profusely. Even when in school, and in front of teachers, and have gotten many shocked/your being stupid looks from people multiple times. But I personaly think it's stupid to use words like "darn", "fudge", "freak", "dang", "drat", and any silly phrases we use instead of cursing. The same thing is meant when you use those words, and yet it is socially acceptable to use them. To me, it is pointless to use substitutes for bad words when the meaning is the same.

A rose by any other name...


Personally for literature I've always been a fan of the ol' #$@%!

or the Asterix the Gaul type with the skulls and lightning and the like, it always strikes me as funnier, but it still gets the emotion across.

[ninacath]

you dont need swear words to be verbally aggressive..
What is todays 'swear' word was probably yesterdays ok word...swearing words come and go ..look at the history of the words..
and look at some some euphemisms for blaspheming
By George –> By God
By golly –> By God’s body
By gosh –> By God
By gum –> By God
By Jove –> By God
Cor blimey –> God blind me
Crikey –> Christ
Criminy –> Christ
Cripes –> Christ
For crying out loud –> For Christ’s sake
Gee –> Jesus
Gee whizz –> Jesus
Good grief –> Good God
Goodness gracious –> Good God
Gosh –> God
Jeepers Creepers –> Jesus Christ
Jeez –> Jesus
My goodness –> My God
My gosh –> My God
there is a distinction between blaspheming and coarse language

[Riesa]

Originally posted by IDRIL: The first thing that comes out of my mouth when I'm shocked or stub a toe or something is usually either 'jiminy crickets' or 'goodness gracious' or possibly 'good heavens'. It makes my adult friends giggle but that's what happens when you're around children all day,

on the other hand you've taught me a few words that I wasn't aware of and they are a far cry fom Jiminy Cricket. not to mention the creative use of the language bar, miss. :p

I tend to swear. I enjoy language and swear words are no exception. I do censor myself in their use depending on company, however.. One of my favorite expressions is For F***'s Sake, because it conveys so much overwhelming dismay at my own or other's idiocy or the extremely aggravated feeling of listening to the neighbor's dog barking at 3 A.M. I have few rules regarding my children's use of it, I never want them to feel like they CAN'T express themselves, and I believe that occasionally in the right context nothing beats a guttural obscenity. I want them to be aware though, that if uttered at school or in front of the Grandma's they are likely to get themselves into trouble, so they need to learn the right time and place to use them. and then there are words I don't tolerate well when anyone says them, words that are directed at someone with an intention to injure.

and I'm afraid that when that time comes and death is knocking it won't be a prayer on my lips but an expletive. :blush:

[Lote-Tree]

One of my favorite expressions is For F***'s Sake, because it conveys so much overwhelming dismay at my own or other's idiocy or the extremely aggravated feeling of listening to the neighbor's dog barking at 3 A.M.


LOL :-)

Many would agree with you perhaps.

[Koa]

I am against censorship. I don't mean these words have to be used, but they exist and belong to some contexts, from which of course they shouldn't go out, as someone pointed out already... But I think ignoring them is like living in a cage again... they exist... or one day I'll decide that 'engine' is not a nice word and people will say 'car-thing' as an euphemism? ;)

As for being in circles where this words are not used, I am truly impressed that such circles exist... I can't even imagine them (hmm except in an over-religious context, which is a separate reality in my eyes...). Maybe because I grew up in some sort of bad area and when I was about 10 I was shocked at my best friend's usage of the equivalent of the word "sh*t" :eek: It didn't take me too long to get used to all of them though...

I really should use them less, especially one of them, but it's so satisfying to pronounce... :blush: :(

[Idril]

on the other hand you've taught me a few words that I wasn't aware of and they are a far cry fom Jiminy Cricket. not to mention the creative use of the language bar, miss. :p


I'm trying to think of what those words are, all I can think of is 'organic' and 'blue' and I only taught you meanings you weren't familar with and there's nothing wrong with those words. :p I will admit to the creative use of the language accent thing though, sometimes you just need to get your point across regardless of word filters.

My 12 year old is such a prude when it comes to swearing, he is just utterly shocked when he hears someone say a bad word. Every now and then I like to throw in a minor swear word just to see him react because it really is priceless. Of course he's on to me now, he just rolls his eyes and tells me I'm setting a bad example. :lol:

[Reepicheep]

Perhaps we should learn more about swear words. Most people don't know how to properly conjugate the S word. What is the past participle for example?

[kathycf]

Perhaps we should learn more about swear words. Most people don't know how to properly conjugate the S word. What is the past participle for example?
I believe it is a four letter word that rhymes with "hat". I've actually seen that particular word in a couple of books...one of which I (if I remember correctly) is Mary McCarthy's The Group.

[Bakiryu]

I prefer to use swear swords in languages that are not my own, so i can't insult someone in portugese, russion, german, spanish, japanese, french and italian.

[motherhubbard]

I believe it is a four letter word that rhymes with "hat". I've actually seen that particular word in a couple of books...one of which I (if I remember correctly) is Mary McCarthy's The Group.

I thought I knew what it was...now I don't have a clue!

[Scheherazade]

I thought I knew what it was...now I don't have a clue!http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=72581&dict=CALD

[Lote-Tree]

I thought I knew what it was...now I don't have a clue!

This is one of the reasons why we should learn about Swear Words :-)

We should offer Degree Courses on how to express yourself with Expletives :-)

[Moira]

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=72581&dict=CALD

Thank you:).

I was kind of lost myself.

[motherhubbard]

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=72581&dict=CALD

How about that. I had no idea. Like I said, I don’t hear that kind of talk very often. it kind of cracks me up :lol:

[RoCKiTcZa]

We swear in order to let out bad feelings. Even I do so sometimes, but secretly, where I can be with myself--and myself only. I believe swearing is just another form of crying, one believed to be more grown-up yet is in truth the most babyish and still the most destructive. Should I swear to set free an unwanted emotion, I must make sure I am not directing the word towards any creation of God or else that would be a very ruthless deed, an almost unforgivable sin.

[kathycf]

How about that. I had no idea. Like I said, I don’t hear that kind of talk very often. it kind of cracks me up :lol:
Reepicheep asked what the past particple of that S word was...and it indeed ryhmes with "hat". I didn't think it would be in the dictionary though. :lol:

[Bii]

Thought I'd revive this thread - if anyone's still interested that is.

My favourite swearing story involves my son - he was about 4 years old and we were coming home from nursery. I was driving along and he was making this noise in the back like 'fudder, fudder, fudder...'. I asked him what he was saying, and he said "Fudder, that sounds like f**ker, at which point I nearly crashed my car! I'd point out that this is not a word he heard from me, or his Dad.

I have no objection to swearing proving it is used in an expressive rather than an offensive way. I don't generally swear at people (with the exception of a good natured 'b*gger off' - especially at work!), but I do often swear to express annoyance with myself - if I do something wrong, drop something or the like. My favourite (if you can call it a favourite?) is a word used to colloquially to describe male genetalia and goes 'b*llocks'.

I have no objection to my children swearing providing they do so in context and not to be offensive. Generally you find with children that if you hide something from them, or forbid them to do it, then they see it as taboo and will do it all the more. Same goes for alcohol. Best to be open and educate than make them think something is out of bounds. I would take serious issue with any teacher who pulled my kids up for swearing in context. After all, if adults can use the words, why can't kids. I'd seriously remonstrate with them if they used the language to be offensive or upsetting to others, because of their intent rather than the words themselves. They are, after all, just words. It's how you use them that makes it upsetting.

[Lote-Tree]

I have no objection to my children swearing providing they do so in context and not to be offensive. Generally you find with children that if you hide something from them, or forbid them to do it, then they see it as taboo and will do it all the more. Same goes for alcohol. Best to be open and educate than make them think something is out of bounds. I would take serious issue with any teacher who pulled my kids up for swearing in context. After all, if adults can use the words, why can't kids. I'd seriously remonstrate with them if they used the language to be offensive or upsetting to others, because of their intent rather than the words themselves. They are, after all, just words. It's how you use them that makes it upsetting.

I disagree. I don't like children swearing. Adults swearing fine. Kids? they can wait till they are adult :-)

[Bii]

Slightly at odds with your original point ;)


Why not?

It is part of the language.

We should learn it, use it, explore it?


What say you?

Entirely agree, and learning starts when you're young, no?!

[Lote-Tree]

Slightly at odds with your original point ;)
Entirely agree, and learning starts when you're young, no?!

As four year olds? I did not mean that. I was talking in the context of adults. :-)

Can't this learning be done when they are in college and not as four year olds? :-)

[Bii]

As four year olds? I did not mean that. I was talking in the context of adults. :-)

Can't this learning be done when they are in college and not as four year olds? :-)

Best to learn when they're young, then when they're 13 they're not standing round on streetcorners swearing at old women to be 'rebellious'. I've never disciplined my son for swearing in context, only when he has done so to be rude or offensive. I've explained to him why people find swearing offensive and why it's as wrong to swear to be rude as it is to call people names like 'fatty' and 'stupid' (as has been brought up before). It's the intent that's important, other than that they're just words. Interestingly, when he was about 4 or 5, when his friend came round they would spend the first half hour 'swearing' at each other, not using actual expletives but calling each other names like 'poopey-head', and the like. It appears that male bonding through expletives (even if not really expletives!) starts young!

My son is 7 now, and he doesn't swear. That's his choice, and he acts this way because he understands that it's not taboo but it's not considerate, and he is a considerate boy because we've taught him that that is important. Just like he doesn't call people 'fatty' or 'stupid'. When he's older, it will still be his choice, he can swear in or out of context as much as he wants, but at least he understands the difference already.

[Lote-Tree]

Best to learn when they're young,...


Yes perhaps but things that are appropriate. Learning about F words at around age four I would say not appropriate...

[Scheherazade]

I've never disciplined my son for swearing in context, only when he has done so to be rude or offensive.Simply out of curiousity, what is 'swearing in context'? Does one not usually swear to offend someone else anyway?

[kilted exile]

Nah, swearing in context is "ah, bleep" when you do something stupid. "that was bleeping sore" when you get hurt. & a large variety of "what the bleep are these bleepers bleeping doing I could do bleeping better than bleeping that" when watching sports

[Turk]

When i get hurt i generally say "aaahhh" or "ııyyywwww", i don't swear because there's no reason for that when i get hurt.

[Bii]

Simply out of curiousity, what is 'swearing in context'? Does one not usually swear to offend someone else anyway?

Nope, not always, in general if I swear it's usually to be offensive to myself, or to some inanimate object which can't swear back! Swearing to make a statement, or to draw attention to yourself, or just to be rude or offensive I'd say was out of context. The way kids swear on street corners, or adults (men in particular!) swearing almost like punctuation to be 'big', I'd say is out of context. I'd be unhappy if I found my son using the language that way.

Swearing is an expressive way of getting over a point. If my son drops something heavy on his toe and expletes who can blame him - he hears it all the time around him (not necessarily at home - swearing is fairly sparse in our house) so why shouldn't he do it also. What mystically happens when you get over the age of 18 which suddenly makes some words okay, but not before?

Context and intent is everything, in my book. If you use any word to be hurtful, or to make people uncomfortable then it's wrong. Doesn't matter what the history of that word is, or whether it's considered swearing or otherwise. Understanding the affect it can have on others, taking that into account, and behaving appropriately is more important to understand, rather than blindly avoiding it altogether.


Yes perhaps but things that are appropriate. Learning about F words at around age four I would say not appropriate...

How do you stop them learning? Just because they don't hear it from parents doesn't mean they won't pick it up. They'll learn anyway, that's just the way it is.

It's like saying don't give children any kind of sex education until they're 16. Most kids have learned something (usually something wrong) by the time they're 11 anyway, hence the large number of teenage pregnancies. Just because you don't teach your child something doesn't mean they won't learn it, but if you do teach them perhaps they won't have to learn the hard way.

[kathycf]

Context and intent is everything, in my book. If you use any word to be hurtful, or to make people uncomfortable then it's wrong. Doesn't matter what the history of that word is, or whether it's considered swearing or otherwise. Understanding the affect it can have on others, taking that into account, and behaving appropriately is more important to understand, rather than blindly avoiding it altogether.

I tend to agree with the context part, but I don't think it is everything. Words are associated with specific ideas. I could get angry in traffic and yell out the word"Cereal!!!" at other drivers...and while they might not appreciate the loudness of my yell, they would perhaps be under the impression I missed breakfast rather than that I am expressing anger at a traffic jam. If I yell out the word ...well THAT "f" word, than the idea that is being expressed is quite different. The choice of word does matter, as much as context.

Displeasure can be conveyed effectively with body language, tone of voice and facial expression too...but language is the distillation of ideas and for better or worse some words are just more "loaded" than others.

[Bii]

I tend to agree with the context part, but I don't think it is everything. Words are associated with specific ideas. I could get angry in traffic and yell out the word"Cereal!!!" at other drivers...and while they might not appreciate the loudness of my yell, they would perhaps be under the impression I missed breakfast rather than that I am expressing anger at a traffic jam. If I yell out the word ...well THAT "f" word, than the idea that is being expressed is quite different. The choice of word does matter, as much as context.

Displeasure can be conveyed effectively with body language, tone of voice and facial expression too...but language is the distillation of ideas and for better or worse some words are just more "loaded" than others.

Absolutely, hence the point of context and intent. That being said, if you're angry why not swear, using other words seems, well, a little dishonest. If you're angry, and people can tell you're angry through body language the words you use are by the by. I'd imagine that if I saw an angry looking person approaching me and they yelled 'cereal' at me I'd be equally, if not more disturbed, than if they used the 'f' word. Probably more concerned because the lack of an appropriate word would make me think they were unbalanced, as well as angry and then who knows what they would do?

And if you're in a traffic jam, what difference does it make? You have the barrier of the car between you and the other people. You could swear 'til the air is blue and no one would have clue what you're saying. The external impression is the same. If you don't want to swear, fair enough, but why be so afraid of something which is, after all, just a word.

[kathycf]

And if you're in a traffic jam, what difference does it make? You have the barrier of the car between you and the other people. You could swear 'til the air is blue and no one would have clue what you're saying. The external impression is the same. If you don't want to swear, fair enough, but why be so afraid of something which is, after all, just a word.
Traffic jam was simply a random example. People around here usually keep their car windows open in summer unless they are lucky enough to be able to afford air conditioning, so I hear things from other drivers and imagine that they can also hear me...it would be hard NOT to hear if someone is yelling with a car window open. :)

If you have read my very early posts in this thread you will see I have not ever said I was "afraid" of swearing. I don't have a problem with it if it's use is minimal. I simply don't buy the idea that "it's just a word".

[Bii]

Traffic jam was simply a random example. People around here usually keep their car windows open in summer unless they are lucky enough to be able to afford air conditioning, so I hear things from other drivers and imagine that they can also hear me...it would be hard NOT to hear if someone is yelling with a car window open. :)

Rarely can you drive with the windows open here, not unless you want your car flooded!

So, I guess what you're saying is, in said example, you would be happier to shout 'cereal' looking angry and leave people thinking you're unbalanced; as opposed to saying an expletive, which most people would fully understand and, if caught in the same jam, would relate to?


I simply don't buy the idea that "it's just a word".

It is what you make of it, which was my point. Same could be said of any word. Personally I'll never think of cereal in the same way ;)

[genoveva]

you dont need swear words to be verbally aggressive..
What is todays 'swear' word was probably yesterdays ok word...swearing words come and go ..look at the history of the words..
and look at some some euphemisms for blaspheming
By George –> By God
By golly –> By God’s body
By gosh –> By God
By gum –> By God
By Jove –> By God
Cor blimey –> God blind me
Crikey –> Christ
Criminy –> Christ
Cripes –> Christ
For crying out loud –> For Christ’s sake
Gee –> Jesus
Gee whizz –> Jesus
Good grief –> Good God
Goodness gracious –> Good God
Gosh –> God
Jeepers Creepers –> Jesus Christ
Jeez –> Jesus
My goodness –> My God
My gosh –> My God
there is a distinction between blaspheming and coarse language

Thanks for posting this! I'd like to learn more about the history of "swear words". For me, they are words like any other and serve a powerful purpose in expression. People say a lot of things that are offensive to me that don't contain any "swear words". Language is, after all, a very powerful tool.

[kathycf]

So, I guess what you're saying is, in said example, you would be happier to shout 'cereal' looking angry and leave people thinking you're unbalanced; as opposed to saying an expletive, which most people would fully understand and, if caught in the same jam, would relate to?

Is that what I am saying? Really? I don't think that was what I was saying at all, frankly.


Traffic jam was simply a random example.....
If you have read my very early posts in this thread you will see I have not ever said I was "afraid" of swearing. I don't have a problem with it if it's use is minimal. I simply don't buy the idea that "it's just a word".

Actually what I was saying is irregardless of hypothetical examples...stating that expletives are "just" words strikes me as disingenuous. Words are associated with specific ideas...the"F" word has a specific idea associated with it, as do other expletives...other words don't have such negative associations or ideas associated with them.

[kiobe]

I am of the opinion that words are just that...words. Letters that form expressions. Everything in moderation and for a purpose. I have found that when teaching children never to use the type of words that we are discussing, it forms in thier minds something of real interest and many kids get fixated on them. Like locking the liquor cabinet instead of teaching the children about moderation and responsible drinking. This is a more European approach. Of course no one plan works for everyone, but I have taken the sting and exitement out of swear words as they relate to my son by treating them as I would any word used in its correct context. He is as exited about swear words as he is any other word. As far as the usage of them by me, if my thesaurus lets me down, so be it.*$%#@(!


Is that what I am saying? Really? I don't think that was what I was saying at all, frankly.



Actually what I was saying is irregardless of hypothetical examples...stating that expletives are "just" words strikes me as disingenuous. Words are associated with specific ideas...the"F" word has a specific idea associated with it, as do other expletives...other words don't have such negative associations or ideas associated with them.

Ironic. I don't think "irregardless" is a word.

[kathycf]

Ironic. I don't think "irregardless" is a word.
Thank you for reminding why I need another vacation.:) I don't see the irony since I am not trying to be the word police nor am I suggesting anybody else should either.


irregardless
One entry found for irregardless.
Main Entry: ir·re·gard·less
Pronunciation: "ir-i-'gärd-l&s
Function: adverb
Etymology: probably blend of irrespective and regardless
nonstandard : REGARDLESS
usage Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927. The most frequently repeated remark about it is that "there is no such word." There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.

http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/irregardless

You know, once again...I have posted in here that I am not anti-swearing, but simply am stating my opinion that some words are just more emotionally loaded than others....and to state otherwise strikes me as simply untrue.


If you use any word to be hurtful, or to make people uncomfortable then it's wrong. Doesn't matter what the history of that word is, or whether it's considered swearing or otherwise.

Just for the record that is the statement I was disagreeing with. Here is where I disagree.

I tend to agree with the context part, but I don't think it is everything. Words are associated with specific ideas. ... language is the distillation of ideas and for better or worse some words are just more "loaded" than others.

[Bii]

If you use any word to be hurtful, or to make people uncomfortable then it's wrong. Doesn't matter what the history of that word is, or whether it's considered swearing or otherwise.


Just for the record that is the statement I was disagreeing with. Here is where I disagree.


I tend to agree with the context part, but I don't think it is everything. Words are associated with specific ideas...but language is the distillation of ideas and for better or worse some words are just more "loaded" than others.

This seems to me to be a fairly naive view. There are plenty of words which are not swear words which can be used equally effectively, and in an offensive way. Perhaps if you disagree you could check out the 'Best Insults' thread, there are plenty of examples of non-swear word insults in there which show how intent is of key importance. If you want to upset someone you can do it with or without swearing and, in some cases the lack of use of swear words simply makes it more powerful.

[kathycf]

This seems to me to be a fairly naive view. There are plenty of words which are not swear words which can be used equally effectively, and in an offensive way.

I am well aware of the offensive power of words whether they are swears or not, having been on the receiving end of verbal abuse for approximately 17 years. I don't need to read a thread about insults to know something I have experienced first hand...which is why I tend to think people who say things like "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" are pretty naive themselves...although I am not saying you specifically stated that.

I don't think it is naive to assert that some words are more loaded than others. I could in theory use a four letter expletive that begins with "C" which is a very loaded, explicit word with negative connotations (to many people anyway) or I could in theory use a "normal" word that has a lot less negative impact such as "vagina".

There is a difference and while we as individuals can lessen the impact such words have on us, such words have a potentially greater impact on people in general who have NOT learned to lessen the impact. In that context, I think it is pretty obvious that one word is more offensive than another, but if the speaker's purpose is to wound someone with his/her words than perhaps it is only a matter of degrees.

I think it is fine to learn to take the sting out of such words, as yes, it isn't *simply* the word itself but also the idea behind it. I agree that context plays an important role, but I simply don't think word choice has no bearing on the matter.

[Bii]

I don't think it is naive to assert that some words are more loaded than others. I could in theory use a four letter expletive that begins with "C" which is a very loaded, explicit word with negative connotations (to many people anyway) or I could in theory use a "normal" word that has a lot less negative impact such as "vagina".

That very much depends where you come from. In Southern England, for example, the word you refer to above isn't necessarily considered particularly offensive.

[kiobe]

Thank you for reminding why I need another vacation.:) I don't see the irony since I am not trying to be the word police nor am I suggesting anybody else should either.


irregardless
One entry found for irregardless.
Main Entry: ir·re·gard·less
Pronunciation: "ir-i-'gärd-l&s
Function: adverb
Etymology: probably blend of irrespective and regardless
nonstandard : REGARDLESS
usage Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927. The most frequently repeated remark about it is that "there is no such word." There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.

http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/irregardless

You know, once again...I have posted in here that I am not anti-swearing, but simply am stating my opinion that some words are just more emotionally loaded than others....and to state otherwise strikes me as simply untrue.



Just for the record that is the statement I was disagreeing with. Here is where I disagree.

Sheesh, just making a joke, nothing personal.

Personally, I believe that it is not the words that harm and degrade but the feelings that one has because of where the words come from. If a stranger uses some so called dirty word to describe me it really doesn't bother me at all. What do I care what some complete stranger thinks of me. If my father calls me an idiot, which isn't a swear word, I would be crushed. For most it's not the word but the connection between the two parties.

[kathycf]

Ok, Bii. I did state that word was offensive to many, not that it was universally considered "bad". I think you are focusing more on my examples than the actual point I am trying to make.

There are some words that are considered offensive to many people that aren't traditional "cuss" words. I am thinking specifically of ethnic slurs. While I have gone on record in this thread as stating I do swear on occasion and I am not anti-swearing in general, I still stand by my assertion that there are some words with so much history, that are so emotionally loaded they they are not merely letters of the alphabet arranged in a specific way...they are not "just" words.

The "n" word ( racial epithet for a Black person) is one such word...while I do say s*** on occasion and f*** even more rarely, that is one word I never say. "Regardless" ;) of it's being "just" a word or not, it is a word that has a long history of being associated with hatred and contempt and I find it's usage unacceptable. I can't stand when I hear people saying words like that or when people say "Chink" or "Spic". I find that utterly distasteful...but those are "just" words too, right?

I know other people will disagree and think that by using such words we take away their potential to harm...well, fine I guess. That doesn't work for me, since I cannot seperate the history of those words in any degree to make me feel comfortable to use them casually. If that makes me "naive" or old fashioned, I don't care. I'm ok with that. :)

Kiobe, it is hard to tell sometimes if people are joking or not, since all we see are words typed on a page...it isn't the same as reading a novel where there is context. I had no idea if that was intended as a joke or not...not being psychic... ;) Smileys are good for conveying if something is serious or made as a joke. I made my post at around three AM my time...hence the reference to vacation (as in don't post when over tired). Also, I don't know if you noticed my smiley face in that post...and the fact that I included the part of the definition which states "irregardless" is not standard English...I was annoyed at you a little, but far more at myself.... I don't like looking stupid.

[Bakiryu]

I'm my country if you see a black guy you call him a black guy "negro" or a white guy "blanco". People call themselves black or white guuys or brown "mulato". I don't see it as offesinve if someone calls me black, even thought my skin is paler yet not brown or white.

[kathycf]

I'm my country if you see a black guy you call him a black guy "negro" or a white guy "blanco". People call themselves black or white guuys or brown "mulato". I don't see it as offesinve if someone calls me black, even thought my skin is paler yet not brown or white.

I'm obviously not referring to calling someone "black", nor am I referring to the Spanish word for black "Negro". There is a specific word which I am not going to spell out that starts with "N"....and ends in "R"...

Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigger)

While the word was not always used as a pejorative, it has become so over the last 150 years or so in the US, therefore I consider it to be one of those words that is emotionally loaded.

[kiobe]

Kathycf-[ I don't see the irony since I am not trying to be the word police nor am I suggesting anybody else should either.


Kathycf-Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.




See?

[Bii]

Ok, Bii. I did state that word was offensive to many, not that it was universally considered "bad". I think you are focusing more on my examples than the actual point I am trying to make.

Aren't examples used to prove a point? If the example doesn't prove the point then isn't the proposition flawed?


There are some words that are considered offensive to many people that aren't traditional "cuss" words. I am thinking specifically of ethnic slurs. While I have gone on record in this thread as stating I do swear on occasion and I am not anti-swearing in general, I still stand by my assertion that there are some words with so much history, that are so emotionally loaded they they are not merely letters of the alphabet arranged in a specific way...they are not "just" words.

True, but the same could be said of many words. The subject matter is about swearing. Read on and see how we agree..... ;)


The "n" word ( racial epithet for a Black person) is one such word...while I do say s*** on occasion and f*** even more rarely, that is one word I never say. "Regardless" ;) of it's being "just" a word or not, it is a word that has a long history of being associated with hatred and contempt and I find it's usage unacceptable. I can't stand when I hear people saying words like that or when people say "Chink" or "Spic". I find that utterly distasteful...but those are "just" words too, right?

Indeed, they are just words. In fact we live in a society now where there are degrees of permissibility for use of words. Whilst it would be socially unacceptable for a caucasian person to use the 'n' word, you find its use peppered through current rap music. So it's okay for a black person to say it, but not a white person. Therein lies the inconsistency. I personally, like you, would not use it, but primarily because it's a term which has not been prevalent in my language and environs so far in my life. It is not a customary word. Had I been brought up in a different environment I might say differently. In that context my use of the word could only be offensive in nature, which brings us smartly back to the original proposition. In a sense the use of the 'n' word would be as inappropriate for me as using the word 'perfidy' in general conversation, or discussing the finer points of epistomology with a man I just met on the train.


I know other people will disagree and think that by using such words we take away their potential to harm...well, fine I guess. That doesn't work for me, since I cannot seperate the history of those words in any degree to make me feel comfortable to use them casually. If that makes me "naive" or old fashioned, I don't care. I'm ok with that. :)

You speak of being 'naive' or 'old fashioned' as if there's something wrong with that? If that means that you're considerate, and thoughtful, and you don't seek to casually offend people then shouldn't that be something we all strive for? That's the message I'm trying to teach my son, that words are just words, but how you use them needs to be carefully considered. Hiding them, or hiding from them, doesn't solve the issue. All I ask is that we treat all words with a view to their potential to harm, as opposed to just swear words. So, whilst my son might say 'Mum, see that fat woman over there', and that may well be a statement of fact - there is a 'woman', she is 'over there' and she is 'fat', it could be a crushing blow to that woman. No use of swear words there, just as damaging.

[kathycf]

See?
I did get the irony about it's usage not being standard English...Thank you. I should have been more specific and said I didn't find it *amusing* since I am not trying to be nor have I ever tried to be the "word" police. That was the inference that I got from your post...that I was trying to police swearing... and that your post was mocking me for my accidental usage of a word that isn't "correct"...which implies I am supposed to be some sort of hypocrite since I used a word wrongly....yet I am picking on other people for using "wrong" words? That was how your post came across to me, and if I am wrong, than ok. I am continuing to see veiled hostility in your replies to me, and if I am wrong about that, please feel free to send me a PM to let me know, and I will owe you an apology for suggesting you are being hostile. I can be defensive, just like anybody else. :)

Once again, may I point out that when teasing someone, don't expect them to be able to read your mind. A winking smiley or even a tongue in cheek smiley goes a long way to clarify. I was still more upset with myself for using a non standard word than having my usage of said word pointed out to me.

But again, since I have never said swearing was "incorrect" and I wasn't picking on anybody for their language...I merely said I think some words are more emotionally loaded than others.

If you don't agree with that, great. It's my opinion and I stand by it, but I am not arrogant in supposing my opinion speaks for everybody. If my examples to illustrate my point weren't good enough..oh well. I can't zoom around the world and find words that are universally considered "bad" language, nor can I speak for every single person to what they think are "bad" words. :)

That being said, I can't remember *who* off hand, but somebody else here got annoyed at having spelling mistakes pointed out to them...so I don't think I am alone in getting annoyed over something like that. I don't correct the myriad spelling mistakes I see posted here unless specifically asked (as in critiquing someone's poem or story) because I don't wish to hurt anybody's feelings by doing that.




I posted in this thread on earlier pages that in essence I

A.) am neither pro swearing, nor anti-swearing. I think some words are more emotionally loaded than others.
B.) There is a time and a place for swearing, in other words, I wouldn't burst out swearing at a child's soccer game, but I might while I am at home and drop something on my foot.
C.) I guess there is no C, since I think I have posted how I feel and given my opinion and have nothing further left to contribute to this discussion.


Just so the thread doesn't get locked, let me just say I am not pitching a fit, nor am I upset. I simply wanted to clarify something. Please don't take my post as a sign the discussion should be discontinued, or that it has degraded. I hope other members will continue to discuss their opinions on the topic, I am simply stating I won't be one of them. :)

[kiobe]

I did get the irony about it's usage not being standard English...Thank you. I should have been more specific and said I didn't find it *amusing* since I am not trying to be nor have I ever tried to be the "word" police. That was the inference that I got from your post...that I was trying to police swearing... and that your post was mocking me for my accidental usage of a word that isn't "correct"...which implies I am supposed to be some sort of hypocrite since I used a word wrongly....yet I am picking on other people for using "wrong" words? That was how your post came across to me, and if I am wrong, than ok. I am continuing to see veiled hostility in your replies to me, and if I am wrong about that, please feel free to send me a PM to let me know, and I will owe you an apology for suggesting you are being hostile. I can be defensive, just like anybody else. :)

Once again, may I point out that when teasing someone, don't expect them to be able to read your mind. A winking smiley or even a tongue in cheek smiley goes a long way to clarify. I was still more upset with myself for using a non standard word than having my usage of said word pointed out to me.

But again, since I have never said swearing was "incorrect" and I wasn't picking on anybody for their language...I merely said I think some words are more emotionally loaded than others.

If you don't agree with that, great. It's my opinion and I stand by it, but I am not arrogant in supposing my opinion speaks for everybody. If my examples to illustrate my point weren't good enough..oh well. I can't zoom around the world and find words that are universally considered "bad" language, nor can I speak for every single person to what they think are "bad" words. :)

That being said, I can't remember *who* off hand, but somebody else here got annoyed at having spelling mistakes pointed out to them...so I don't think I am alone in getting annoyed over something like that. I don't correct the myriad spelling mistakes I see posted here unless specifically asked (as in critiquing someone's poem or story) because I don't wish to hurt anybody's feelings by doing that.




I posted in this thread on earlier pages that in essence I

A.) am neither pro swearing, nor anti-swearing. I think some words are more emotionally loaded than others.
B.) There is a time and a place for swearing, in other words, I wouldn't burst out swearing at a child's soccer game, but I might while I am at home and drop something on my foot.
C.) I guess there is no C, since I think I have posted how I feel and given my opinion and have nothing further left to contribute to this discussion.


Just so the thread doesn't get locked, let me just say I am not pitching a fit, nor am I upset. I simply wanted to clarify something. Please don't take my post as a sign the discussion should be discontinued, or that it has degraded. I hope other members will continue to discuss their opinions on the topic, I am simply stating I won't be one of them. :)


I think you should continue. An opinion is a beautiful thing. Although, I have to say that your disection of what I was saying couldn't be further from the target. You threw a dart, but hit the bartender, not the board. That's ok, he'll get over it. The only time swear words bother me is when I see an adult using them on a little child. Other than that, we as grownups should be able to deal with words.

[kathycf]

Sorry for the misunderstanding, and thank you for clearing it up. I also agree about the harmfulness of adults swearing at young children. I had a neighbor who called her four year old daughter a "f***ing b***h" and was appalled.

I just think it is hard for some people to seperate the "idea" behind a word with the concept of language being "just" words. Obviously not everybody, but I think a lot of people.

[kiobe]

[/QUOTE]I just think it is hard for some people to seperate the "idea" behind a word with the concept of language being "just" words. Obviously not everybody, but I think a lot of people.[/QUOTE]


True.

[Bii]

I just think it is hard for some people to seperate the "idea" behind a word with the concept of language being "just" words. Obviously not everybody, but I think a lot of people.

Indeed, but this arises because, simplistically, a lot of people expect words to hold a single meaning or 'idea', and that the meaning is the same for everyone. Look in the dictionary and see how many entries have a single meaning attributed to them. Therein lies the problem with communication - if people took more trouble to ensure that the other person understood what was meant then there would be significantly less conflict, misunderstanding and grief.

Studies have been undertaken into communication and it was found that in verbal conversation I think (and my numbers might be a little off here) that about 67% of the message comes from body language 26% from tone and a mere 7% from the words themselves. In this context, how can any word be the sole carrier of the message?

That's why I think words are just words, and more importance should be placed on intent and context. That's also why people can become upset by points posted on this forum, because in the absence of tone and body language we attempt to imply tone and body language. The words themselves simply aren't enough.

[PinballStewie]

Wow,

I was raised "both ways" in terms of swear words. My mom doesn't like a lot of swear words and my grandma even less so, yet my dad actually found it okay to expose me to the "f" word at age 4. I don't see what's so important about such words (though I do use what I call "semi-swears"; not mild swears like h*ll, d*mn, and @$$, but rather words that, although they may sometimes be considered swears, have found their way onto things like "Dexter's Laboratory" and "Homestar Runner" - these are "crap", "freaking", and [sometimes] "sucks".)

That's usually the farthest I go, though. However, I am also considerate enough to let people use whatever words they want to use. It's almost as though to those who incorporate swear words into their daily vocabulary, it's like saying "eated", "falled", and "fighted", as opposed to "ate", "fell", and "fought". In other words, to them the concept of grammar/words has no rules. Personally, if swear words are losing their "shock value" nowadays due to constant use, then "eated", "falled", and "fighted" should be made legitimate terms in the English language.

I think Ralph Wiggum from "The Simpsons" put swearing into perspective when he said his favorite swear was "mittens" ;) We should all take a lesson from Ralph in that what may be a "bad word" to one person might seem like a pleasant word to another (it sounds crazy, but it's true.)

[*Classic*Charm*]

I think Ralph Wiggum from "The Simpsons" put swearing into perspective when he said his favorite swear was "mittens" ;) We should all take a lesson from Ralph in that what may be a "bad word" to one person might seem like a pleasant word to another (it sounds crazy, but it's true.)

Yes, there is many a lasson to be larned from Ralph Wiggum. Here are some of my favourites:

"My cat's breath smells like cat food"
"Ms. Hoover, I ate my red crayon."