Your philosophy on swearing

[Furby]

Still, society is going to look for 'specific' words. You can say the f-word on TV, even as to give a definition, but then you will be fined a bunch.

Also, why is it certain words are 'bad?'

If the f-word is bad, why is the word 'sex' or 'intercourse' not deemed as nearly as bad?

[Naesala]

Still, society is going to look for 'specific' words. You can say the f-word on TV, even as to give a definition, but then you will be fined a bunch.

Also, why is it certain words are 'bad?'

If the f-word is bad, why is the word 'sex' or 'intercourse' not deemed as nearly as bad?

Words that have had bigger impacts have dropped in severity with time. Compare past to present cursing, even in 10 years the impact has been reduced by "common" swears.

Racism or Classism. Really, a large number of words were designated as "bad" because either it was the way those who were defeated in war referred to an obscene object (iirc, French Derrière versus Vulgarian Ass is an example) or because it was the way poor people referred to it. Most obscenities, excepting blasphemy, are rooted in the winners hating on the losers.

Because Fuck is the poor mans word, sex is the laymans word (note it's still "iffy" to say sex around children), and intercorse is the politicians or scientists word.

[Furby]

does the bible ever talk about swearing?

Still, society is going to look for 'specific' words. You can say the f-word on TV, even as to give a definition, but then you will be fined a bunch.

Also, why is it certain words are 'bad?'

If the f-word is bad, why is the word 'sex' or 'intercourse' not deemed as nearly as bad?

Words that have had bigger impacts have dropped in severity with time. Compare past to present cursing, even in 10 years the impact has been reduced by "common" swears.

Racism or Classism. Really, a large number of words were designated as "bad" because either it was the way those who were defeated in war referred to an obscene object (iirc, French Derrière versus Vulgarian Ass is an example) or because it was the way poor people referred to it. Most obscenities, excepting blasphemy, are rooted in the winners hating on the losers.

Because Fuck is the poor mans word, sex is the laymans word (note it's still "iffy" to say sex around children), and intercorse is the politicians or scientists word.

ty

[rob77dp]

How many curse words or phrases - that are now considered by many / most as cursing - have that label due to a frequent use in a "cursing" manner?

Naesala, I would agree with your assessment that racism and classism have contributed greatly to what developes a word's "curse" label, but both of your explanations rest on the same foundation - original use in a derogatory or demeaning manner.  Basically, the intent behind words and phrases determines what is considered offensive, vulgar, or obscene.  For example, if enough people begin using the word "smart" with disdain and only in situations where insult is conveyed then I submit that "smart" would begin to gain a reputation as a curse word.

Conversely, words that used to be used only in instances to convey insult or disdain (the likes of 'damn', 'crap', and similarly viewed words/phrases) that are now more frequently used for humor or simple casual conversation begin to lose their "curse" status.

As to the aspect of "to curse or not to curse", it is the free will choice of each individual as to what words to use, but more importantly every word used comes with the choice of HOW to use it.    Not to get too "religious" or spiritual on this topic, but even the Bible does not outline _what_ words or phrases are cursing or 'forbidden' but rather the mindset and intention being the key.

... This brings to mind a question I've long had:  can anyone explain to me why some people insist that certain words themselves have a permanent curse or 'bad' word nature to them?

[Furby]

I think I can help answer that in one way:

If you go to a third world country that has had no outside influence and use the F-word around them they won't care...even if they speak English, they probably won't care.
Gang members curse around each other and honestly don't care.

If you are in a public space in America and you use the F-word people will take offense.

--->This leads me to believe that [[[words themselves have a permanent curse or 'bad' word nature to them]]] due to cultural decision. Culture deemed it 'crap' can be bad in some ways, but not so bad in others...but culture basically said the F-word is never okay in public.

[rob77dp]

Spoiler for Hidden:

I think I can help answer that in one way:

If you go to a third world country that has had no outside influence and use the F-word around them they won't care...even if they speak English, they probably won't care.
Gang members curse around each other and honestly don't care.

If you are in a public space in America and you use the F-word people will take offense.

--->This leads me to believe that [[[words themselves have a permanent curse or 'bad' word nature to them]]] due to cultural decision. Culture deemed it 'crap' can be bad in some ways, but not so bad in others...but culture basically said the F-word is never okay in public.

Hmmmm, so since a gang group using the F-bomb without conveying any insult or "curse" nature can co-exist in this world with a family gathering where saying it would be insulting to those listening wouldn't that REFUTE the notion that a word can have global curse or not-a-curse word label?

[Furby]

Not quite. There are small sub-public groups (gangs for one) that can exist in the big public sphere. In the big public sphere, it seems words like the f bomb are deemed terrible words, but know people love to use them and so ask people in their own public groups to use them away from those who find it offensive.

-->This example is America related. Of course, this example will vary quite differently country to country.

Also, another point to think about: cursing in another language? If I say the f-word in spanish, I don't get the same feel as if I said it in English. Also, if someone doesn't know what language you are speaking...that is an interesting thing to talk about.

[rob77dp]

Spoiler for Hidden:

Not quite. There are small sub-public groups (gangs for one) that can exist in the big public sphere. In the big public sphere, it seems words like the f bomb are deemed terrible words, but know people love to use them and so ask people in their own public groups to use them away from those who find it offensive.

-->This example is America related. Of course, this example will vary quite differently country to country.

Also, another point to think about: cursing in another language? If I say the f-word in spanish, I don't get the same feel as if I said it in English. Also, if someone doesn't know what language you are speaking...that is an interesting thing to talk about.

Ah ha - it seems the disagreement stems from a difference between "permanent curse word" and "global curse word" distinguishing.  I was more referring to a permanency of the label not existing whereas you are more referring to a global labeling.  I used "global" a couple posts ago really meaning more "permanent"...

[Furby]

I am not sure how to respond to this. I am also unsure what it is you are saying; let me give this example to see if you can help me see your point better.

It is true, globally, that all languages have words for curse words, but not all cultures deem them as bad as America does.
Example: pretend Spain could care less if people cursed. They have words for curse words, but don't call them curse words because they don't deem them so...as to why, it would relate back to the post of whoever talked about wars/racism/sexism issues in regards to words being deemed as bad.

[sixers]

I don't really believe that anyone should censor themselves at all. That being said, it should be known in what context certain words or statements are appropriate and when they are not.

I'm not sure if this video has been posted in this thread or not, but here is a pretty cool look at the history of "swear" words in english.
watch?v=i_ZnUqYq-gU   on youtube.

...hmm I see I can't post external links. Is it against forum policy to even have the end of the youtube link?

[Pella]

I was a sailor for 9.5 years.  As such, I learned to "curse like a sailor".

Today, my closest friends use curse words freely, and I use them freely around them.  Naturally, I abstain in socially unacceptable situations like work and among strangers.  In those cases, I will occasionally let one fly, in which case peeps know that my emotions are running extremely high on that subject.  As mentioned above, rarity increases their potency.

[SavageSlam]

Yeah I agree. As long as you try to use it where people are fine...there shouldn't be an issue.