Comments | dr_monkey: Why do people swear?

dr_monkey

Why do people swear?

May 07, 2006 13:07

Swearing is as hold as the spoken word (or so I assume). People swear to emphasise a point, to threaten, under stress, in excitement or in annoyance - that is to say that people swear at almost anything ( Read more... )

Comments 4

especially important when you are protecting a little one.. green_quilt May 7 2006, 16:18:59 UTC

Sometimes I can't believe I even take my small (3 yr old) child out in public because there are so many people who swear in front of him without even thinking. They don't even care. I took him to a all men's softball league facility so he could see his Godfather play and all around him are men who are swearing. They see him because I hear them say how "Fucking cute" he is. I just don't understand. But it is everywhere. He even knows how to use the "f-word" in the proper context from a ruff and tuff set of friends from his daycare - Hunter, Miles, Sheldon, and Mason. Their parents must allow them to see or hear things that they shouldn't because they teach my child to say things that he has never heard outside of school. Crazy ( ... )

dr_monkey May 7 2006, 17:44:29 UTC

I've observed that most people can turn down the swearing in a social situation that demands it such as in front of their boss or superior (for me junior doctors in front of seniors), but the moment they're alone with someone or amongst colleagues, it just restarts.

You're absolutley right about needing to protect small children as well - they'll learn these things eventually but theres no need at such a young age. I wish there was some way to teach people that they dont need to swear to make a point. Theres better ways of expressing yourself surely!

genie22 May 7 2006, 19:45:46 UTC

I hate swearing cos both my parents do it non-stop.

Hence, I try not to, the odd 'fuck' aside.

dr_monkey May 7 2006, 21:55:51 UTC

we should introduce a nationwide swear pot - I think it would bankrupt more than a few people!

Its interesting what consitutes a swear nowadays. The word bastard used to be a slur, but not really anymore. "shit" used to even 10 years ago raise eyebrows but I was listening to BBC worldservice today and they used the word "motherF@cker" - I can't believe it, even Auntie has gone over to the darkside. Although it was in context in a documentary, so forgivable I think

Do you think the pope or the queen swears?