Swearing (Page 2)

harlett anathema: .....

unicorn1: its not the sound of the swear that offends most people, its the intent behind it. You swear, to insult. "this fucking car.......that fucking man...etc"

But you can still have rude intent without swearing- why is that?



Of course you can have rude intent without swearing. You have a whole language to choose from after all. Im sorry, I think I miss the point you’re trying to make here.


And what about when it doesn't have an insulting intent? I could say that a situation is "fucked"- who is that an insult to? The situation? What if I were to say "that's fucking amazing"-


Yes, it can be used to emphasis a positive. However historically it’s always been used as a “bad word” if you will. So even when used in a positive way, some people will find it makes them uncomfortable.



The "right" way to speak? Granted, it can be rude to hear children swear, but they can still speak rude, hurtful, insulting langage and never swear a day in their life. Why do we allow the word "fuck" to instantly imbue a negative, but words such as impetuous or deficient or even garbage to not?


Yes, you can be rude and hurtful without swearing, as already said, you have a whole language to chose from. And again, the word fuck, is intended as an insult in modern day terms. The words impetuous, deficient and garbage have never been.


If the flaw of swear words is it imbues a negative, and imbues an insult, then why weren't you considered swearing when you compared the language some children use to garbage, and implied that both them and their parents should be ashamed by the comparison?

Could that not be considered insulting? Was the intent of the message to insult people who do not speak English the way you feel is permissible?
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For why what I said wasn’t considered a swear word, please read previous comment. And as to whether it was meant to be insulting or not, yes, it was. I think it’s a low thing to do to a kid. And further more, to incur the wrath of anyone not pissed off with me yet, I think the ‘woof woof’ instead of ‘dog’ crowd are even worse lol.

And just to clarify, I swear daily. It’s not something I particularly feel strongly about, apart from the bit about the kids. Was just giving an opinion on why I suppose other people get fucking hacked off about it

harlett anathema: when i use the emote... folks no longer conjurer the image of...s....h.....i....t. as in feces... they gist i am calling something said written out..

when i say for fking out loud.... folks who know me know i am saying get too your point already.... if i say WTF.... were going notion too notion on and about something.. we can take the edge off..when we use those words...

LiptonCambell: >>> Im sorry, I think I miss the point you’re trying to make here.

The point I'm making is that, for the numerous other words in the English language that can cause offense, only certain ones are considered "swearing". Why?

>>>. However historically it’s always been used as a “bad word” if you will. So even when used in a positive way, some people will find it makes them uncomfortable.

And that justifies censorship? History? That, since people have used words negatively in the past means they're too taboo for any use, even positive usage?

>>>. And again, the word fuck, is intended as an insult in modern day terms. The words impetuous, deficient and garbage have never been.

I disagree. The word fuck isn't always intended to mean an insult- so why is it treated as if it is
*always* used as an insult?

Equally, the words "impetuous, deficient, garbage" CAN be used as insults- but not always.

harlett anathema: you mean like using the word dog...in reference too what you think of someone...

unicorn1: The point I'm making is that, for the numerous other words in the English language that can cause offense, only certain ones are considered "swearing". Why?

I don't know. My best guess would be because they were generally upheld to be only possibly used in an insulting manner.

And that justifies censorship? History? That, since people have used words negatively in the past means they're too taboo for any use, even positive usage?

I never suggested that it justified censorship, and since its perfectly legal to use it, would have to say that censorship of it doesnt exist, only disapprovement.

Equally, the words "impetuous, deficient, garbage" CAN be used as insults- but not always.

Most words can be given a negative spin. i could call someone tall, and depending on my tone, imply an insult. I think you have to accept that while you're arguing specifics, you're talking about a language. Therefore the meaning attributed to the word, is the one attached to it by the majority of the people who speak that language. The majority, would therefore agree what constitutes a swear.

harlett anathema: it's as simple as making a apple pie too understand.. every nationality has hand gestures they make while telling some too go......______ themselves... what all else they can do with ...while cursing folks... matter of fact they don't even haveta verbalize it ..they just need too make those gestures.....that can set off a war of gestures and HOW DARE YOU....

Comrade_: I don't feel offended by others swearing, it is part of expression and language. Though I'm not going to support kids swearing, it seems to hold more of an adult act to it. Think on their level we try to teach them to be more in control of their words and use different expressions that will be milder than swearing. As anything words carry more than a verbal message.