Shit! Does it make you see someone differently if they swear all the time? Hearing mothers and fathers swearing in front of, or even to, their children makes me cringe. It's even worse when the kids respond in the same manner. I got told that I curse more since having been at uni. I suppose it's symptomatic of the people I spend my time around...
At what point does swearing become acceptable, or somehow seen as necessary? It's sometimes seen as quaint to never swear, or to use less harsh derivatives or substitutes. Some words which would have caused an "ummmm, you said a bad word..." in the playdays of yore are now commonplace in conversation. Seeing or speaking these words all around me, I appear to have become somewhat desensitised to their mention - I barely even flinch if someone mentions what my ten-year-old self was told was "the worst swear word you could use" and despite the fact that it causes some disgust to hear it uttered out loud, I wouldn't necessarily think any less of the person who used it, because it's not always a means to cause offence, it's just become a staple part of the language. Of course, the literary greats felt fit to employ such vocabulary, so hey, why shouldn't we?
On the jukebox: My Chemical Romance ~ Teenagers 
I think the fact that we can use swearwords without flinching and/or hear them being used by people and not think any less of them just goes to show we have grown up to accept that they are pretty much an integral part of speech and as such have possibly lost some of their insulting capacity; while before we were taught that they are extremely offensive, now we no longer see them like that, just like another means of expression.
ReplyDeleteP.S Apologies for the double post, just wanted to say I love the song =)
ReplyDeleteI only tend to swear when I'm angry or annoyed.
ReplyDeleteI did notice a period where I swore a lot in general conversation and hearing myself do it made me flinch so I made myself stop.
We've sunk to a culture whereby it's perfectly ok to swear - it's on the tv, in films and books all the time.
That said sometimes certain swear words are pretty useful when we're trying to describe the amazing quality of something. Then again, are we so uncultured we can't use inoffensive words in the english language instead?
Have a piece of cake :oD
xxx
Hannah, you say we have "sunk" to a level whereby swearing is normal. See, I think we have risen to that level. Swear words are bloody ace. I have a habit of saying "absofuckinglutely" which is just so rewarding to say. Obviously, there's a time and a place and I much prefer using swear words as emphasis (there's a linguistic term for that, but A level Eng Lang was a long time ago now) than in an aggressive way. My friend has an 18 month old son and whilst we used to swear when he was around, we can't anymore because he'll just repeat it and whilst I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with swearing, I still don't think it's appropriate for little kids to do it. I have a feeling that makes me a hypocrite!
ReplyDeleteI think it's OK for kids to swear once they actually know the meaning of hte words they're using, and are old enough to judge when that kind of language is appropriate. But of course the only way to learn that is to get it wrong, several times.
ReplyDeleteI swear probably too much, and sometimes it's for effect and it's amusing or emphatic for the way it's been done. Sometimes, though, I know I swear too much, or in totally inappropriate situations.
But I wouldn't say we've sunk to this level; certain words still have their power to shock in certain situations, and I think, actually, we've got the balance about right.
I guess I'm pointing the finger at a certain group in our society...and I'm not talking about students
ReplyDelete:oP
Swearing is great, it's a great way to add colour to something, and anyone who disagrees can fuck right off!
ReplyDeleteThat said, context is important. Swearing every other word is just stupid, and there are obviously some times when it's not appropriate (like when kids are around).
I don't swear a massive amount, but I do it a lot more than I used to. Really noticeable when I go home...
I tend not to swear often unless I've had a few, at which point various previously-undescribed nouns become laden with effin' and blindin'. I also tend to use the phrase "It was just fucking '-'" (generally accompanied by an expressionful wave of my arms) when my ability to express myself on something completely fails. Again, I'm normally not sober as my ability to express myself is normally ok!
ReplyDeleteI too went through a phase earlier in my life when I realised I was swearing all the time, and stopped once I found myself swearing at home without even noticing.
However, I don't like it when people use c*nt. Hate that word with a passion, refuse to say it under any circumstances and it bothers me when people use it in day-to-day language.
Ummmm, you said a naughty word, gonna tell my mom off you!
ReplyDeleteUm, yeah, I swear too much, particularly when I'm stressed or tired and way more in my head that I would ever consider acceptable out loud. But I do try to moderate it a bit, especially at university where it feels less acceptable than back home*. I also tend to use swear words in context - "No shit!" or "Thank fuck for that.." rather than just gratuitously cursing - but even so, it's not really necessary!
I think I started swearing more to fit in. Which is sad.
*As in, home surroundings, not my actual home household.