Profanities

[BLACKDIRGE]

I think our culture’s problem with “bad words” is completely ridiculous. To assign some sort of verboten element to a collection of syllables is, in my opinion, utter nonsense. It should be the intent behind the word that causes concern, not the word itself.

I also don't understand why it's Ok to use certain words that mean the same thing as the bad words, and in the same context. For example, take the four-letter S word and the word crap. It is perfectly acceptable to say crap, but not the four-letter S word, even though they mean the exact same thing and are used in the exact same way. Or how about the four-letter F word and the word screw? For some reason It’s ok to use the word screw in the same manner as the four-letter F word, and in the same context. You can say, “I got screwed by the IRS”, but you can’t say, “I got f---ed by the IRS” or you can say “stop screwing around” but not “stop f---ing around”. Why? It’s absurd, if you ask me.

The other thing I find hysterical is the use of word friggin’ in place of the other word. Most people see friggin’ as a socially acceptable version of the F word. The funny thing is frig has many of the same vulgar connotations people are trying to avoid, its true meaning has just fallen out of popular use. Read some Marquis de Sade to see what I’m talking about.

Ultimately, I understand that there are certain social conventions that I must abide by, and I don’t use certain words in certain company, or where it is forbidden, like on this board. I still, however, think the whole idea of “bad words” is ridiculous.

Sorry, didn’t mean to get all ranty, but this issue irritates the hell…I mean heck out of me.

BD

 

[Lockridge]

Blackdirge, you live and interact in a world with people, some of whom would find that language offensive. Simply telling them to get over it just isn't going to happen. Keep in mind also that the examples you use, "crap" and "screw" have alternate meanings other than the offensive terms and are therefore more acceptable (but not always). "frig" has no meaning that most people are aware of and is therefore not offensive either in most venues.

As for the "I learned the f-word at the age of eight" argument: While that is true, we also learn the proper place for it. If you say it in front of your friends it may be ok but say it in front of a teacher or parent and you soon learn that that word is not acceptable.

In my opinion, we are an intelligent species (or at least the potential is there even if most people don't bother to rise to meet it) and therefore we can find other ways of expressing ourselves besides a block of syllables that sometimes offend.

 

[Dioltach]

But would your wife do that in front of children who are fluent in her language?

I don't recall her ever having done so. My wife has a very strict sense of what's right and what's wrong. On the other hand, just about anything can be made to sound dirty in Papiementu.

 

[billd91]

I think our culture’s problem with “bad words” is completely ridiculous. To assign some sort of verboten element to a collection of syllables is, in my opinion, utter nonsense. It should be the intent behind the word that causes concern, not the word itself.

I am pretty much right with you on this. People usually slap down the specific set of syllables and not the sentiment. Not in all cases, mind you, but that's usually the way things work and it flippin' cheeses me off.

 

[Umbran]

I think our culture’s problem with “bad words” is completely ridiculous. To assign some sort of verboten element to a collection of syllables is, in my opinion, utter nonsense. It should be the intent behind the word that causes concern, not the word itself.

Unfortunately, our species is notably poor at mind-reading. So, the intent behind the word is up to interpretation.

That's why we tend to have what you describe - words with similar defined meanings, but slightly different connotations, so we can better describe what is in our minds. The world is not black and white, so we should not expect our words to be, either.

This is a large part of what makes poetry work, so I'm happy we have it

 

[Ankh-Morpork Guard]

In my opinion, we are an intelligent species (or at least the potential is there even if most people don't bother to rise to meet it) and therefore we can find other ways of expressing ourselves besides a block of syllables that sometimes offend.

But the offense isn't universal, that's the thing. It is COMPLETELY subjective.

Honestly, Blackdirge put it best for me. Now, it should be said that I don't curse in front of children and I do try to avoid it here on ENWorld, but, in the end, they're just words.

I've always hated the idea that 'intelligent' people will find other ways...but usually that is exactly what Blackdirge stated, using screw and crap, etc, and THAT'S considered intelligent. Its an annoying double standard, when it in the end the real problem isn't the word at all, but what people take from the word. Besides, if we start worrying about words that might offend people, then you're hitting dangerous territory where we just may as well not say anything at all.

 

[Biohazard]

I think our culture’s problem with “bad words” is completely ridiculous. To assign some sort of verboten element to a collection of syllables is, in my opinion, utter nonsense.

So you're okay with racist slurs?

 

[BLACKDIRGE]

That's why we tend to have what you describe - words with similar defined meanings, but slightly different connotations, so we can better describe what is in our minds.

But words like crap don't have a different connotation and are used in exactly the same context as the bad word they are meant to replace. Can you think of any way that crap is used differently than the S word? I had a crappy day. I had a sh---y day. This is a piece of crap. This is a piece of s--t. Watch out for the dog crap. Watch out for the dog s--t.

For me this is an issue that defies all logic and reason, and I truly view it as absurd, puritanical nonsense. But that said, I have no desire to intentionally offend people just to make a point, and I watch my language when I'm around people that are bothered by cursing.

BD

 

[kenobi65]

A thin line, much like people used "fudge" for the same F-word as "frack" it replaces in one's dialogue.

But used too often (one F-word per sentence), it could also become vulgar in context.

Not to mention that it's the equivalent of waving a big flag that says, "I'm a NERD!"

 

[Lockridge]

Honestly, Blackdirge put it best for me. Now, it should be said that I don't curse in front of children and I do try to avoid it here on ENWorld, but, in the end, they're just words.

I've always hated the idea that 'intelligent' people will find other ways...but usually that is exactly what Blackdirge stated, using screw and crap, etc, and THAT'S considered intelligent. Its an annoying double standard, when it in the end the real problem isn't the word at all, but what people take from the word. Besides, if we start worrying about words that might offend people, then you're hitting dangerous territory where we just may as well not say anything at all.

Actually I don't find the use of screw and crap particularly intelligent either. However they are more socially acceptable.

Ask yourself: Why don't you swear in front of children? Why don't you swear on Enworld? I'll tell you why: you will lose the children's parents as friends and you will be banned by Eric's grandma. My point is that we must accept the fact that these words do hurt others and are a poor form of communication. This is true especially on the internet where we cannot discern a person's meaning from their body language.

You may not agree that they should be offended but they are and thats just life. Ignoring that means that your social interaction and freedom will be limited.

Of course we are getting away from the original poster's question of why some people feel offended. I suppose a book could be written on the subject. From my point of view I think that it is because as a society we know we can do better.