The swearing thread!

A couple of recent threads got me to thinking about how prevalent swearing is in our society today. I thought it might be fun to post up a few facts and anecdotes about swearing. How often do you foul-mouthed heathen swear? Got any funny stories about swearing?

http://people.howstuffworks.com/swearing.htm

"In the Western, English-speaking world, people from every race, class and level of education swear. In America, 72 percent of men and 58 percent of women swear in public. The same is true for 74 percent of 18 to 34 year olds and 48 percent of people who are over age 55 [ref]. Numerous language researchers report that men swear more than women, but studies that focus on women's use of language theorize that women's swearing is simply more context specific."

http://www.businessweek.com/management/why-you-shouldnt-curse-at-work-much-12272011.html#p1

"In fact, we’re now so inured to vulgarity that it takes something really over-the-top—say, the baby doll being sold this holiday season that apparently curses —to make us stop and take notice. Taboo words, with a couple of true taboo exceptions, have always been used sparingly to communicate powerful emotions, but when swearing becomes simply reflexive and ubiquitous—as it is today—those words cease to have much power or meaning. And when crude words do shock, the language deflects our focus from the serious issues at hand."

Discuss! (But don't cuss)

Cuss words are useful, but they lose their impact if they're used too often. I can swear up a storm if I hit my finger with a hammer, but my speech is pretty mild otherwise.

berkeley

E36 M3

It says dork right next to my name. A dork is a dick, you know?

it actually says "super dork" which, when translated, is worth a bit more than a chuckle

The word "ass" is officially not a curse word anymore. I hear it on the radio and TV all the time, middle of the day, during kids shows, not constraints. While it is perhaps not the worst word out there, it is still tough to watch your little ones here "he's a real ass" or "what an ass" or "she was acting like an ass".

George Carlin said it best. "berkeley you, you berkeleying berkeleyers."

I curse. A lot.

I have read about studies done that show the use of the word "berkeley" when one injures oneself actually relieves pain somewhat, more so than using other words. So I just say it all the time to keep myself prepared.

Twin_Cam wrote: I curse. A lot. I have read about studies done that show the use of the word "berkeley" when one injures oneself actually relieves pain somewhat, more so than using other words. So I just say it all the time to keep myself prepared.

So you're addicted to pain killers, eh?

Well Darn.

Actually, I try not to. It's hard to sound intelligent when every other phrase is "F You!" sometimes.

I learned many "colorful" phrases from my grandfather while he woked in the barn or when we were fishing and his line was in a tree. Not all of the phrases were traditional swearing, dirty potlikker, bunk, bugger are combined with whatever was causing the aggravation.

I must confess to having potty mouth. That's an occupational hazard in this business.

They are just berkeleying words. Lighten up.

Otto Maddox wrote: They are just berkeleying words. Lighten up.

No. Lets turn our children into bigger Bob Costas.
I'm a big fan of insensitivity training for our overly sensitive world. Some of you local guys will know where that came from. Its no joke.

It's a word.

For instance, i don't understand how the words "poop," "crap," or "E36 M3" have differing levels of offensiveness.

THEY'RE ALL WORDS FOR THAT STUFF THAT COMES OUT OF YOUR BUTT.

Is it because of how harsh the word SOUNDS?

If so, the Germans have the dirtiest mouths ever.

Ugh I want to stop. Can those electric collars that shock dogs when they bark be used on humans? I need drastic action.

The Germans have some tough competition. A cuss-off 'tween Germany and China would be epic.

pinchvalve wrote: The word "ass" is officially not a curse word anymore. I hear it on the radio and TV all the time, middle of the day, during kids shows, not constraints. While it is perhaps not the worst word out there, it is still tough to watch your little ones here "he's a real ass" or "what an ass" or "she was acting like an ass".

Actually, when used in that context, it refers to a donkey, and is not a curse/swear in any way.

I try not to. I feel like they're just offensive filler material. The insults on The Sandlot, for instance, take much more creativity than your usual expletive-filled Samuel L. Jackson rant.

1988RedT2 wrote:

Twin_Cam wrote: I curse. A lot. I have read about studies done that show the use of the word "berkeley" when one injures oneself actually relieves pain somewhat, more so than using other words. So I just say it all the time to keep myself prepared.

So you're addicted to pain killers, eh?

You could say that

That said, I never curse around people I just met until I hear them curse. Is that weird?

DoctorBlade wrote: Well Darn. Actually, I try not to. It's hard to sound intelligent when every other phrase is "F You!" sometimes.

You're assuming you live in a nation where intelligence is respected.

That being said, I sure can rip a string of them when I'm in the mood. I grew up on the beach..used to be a sailor during the summers.

pinchvalve wrote: The word "ass" is officially not a curse word anymore. I hear it on the radio and TV all the time, middle of the day, during kids shows, not constraints. While it is perhaps not the worst word out there, it is still tough to watch your little ones here "he's a real ass" or "what an ass" or "she was acting like an ass".

Ass was never a swear word. Jesus loved riding the ass. How could it be wrong?