What is the Idea behind the Swear or Cuss Words
By theSids
@thesids (22180)
Bhubaneswar, India
April 3, 2012 3:06am CST
hi friends and lotters
I have nothing against this but I fail to understand why these kind of words were included in the Dictionary or even the Languages.
Personally, I find that their use normally brings in malice and breeds hate. yes, they might be great for some who use such words more frequently than they use other words but... couldnt it have been done away by using the normal words?
I remember when in school and early years when we did not know much about these slag or special words, we would normally use cockroach or even rat or even some other terms to cuss - like H2S or even CuSo3 or hey how about mitochondria or Pythogoras?!
The terms which were difficult and beyond our understanding normally were used when we wanted to express ourself better
And life was still good. No one did understand that we were cussing or rebuking anyone and even when someone caught us - we would be ready to cheat and say - oh, that phrase was difficult and so I was repeating it and did you know how important that term is... and we would explain a few good things about that word and hey, things were peaceful and merrier again...
Unfortunately, today, I think we are more interested in Hurting and breaking up rather than trying to patch up... After all... it is a busy life for many...
What is your take on this! Any Reasoning which can help me have a better idea!
Cheers,
theSids.
I have nothing against this but I fail to understand why these kind of words were included in the Dictionary or even the Languages.
Personally, I find that their use normally brings in malice and breeds hate. yes, they might be great for some who use such words more frequently than they use other words but... couldnt it have been done away by using the normal words?
I remember when in school and early years when we did not know much about these slag or special words, we would normally use cockroach or even rat or even some other terms to cuss - like H2S or even CuSo3 or hey how about mitochondria or Pythogoras?! The terms which were difficult and beyond our understanding normally were used when we wanted to express ourself better And life was still good. No one did understand that we were cussing or rebuking anyone and even when someone caught us - we would be ready to cheat and say - oh, that phrase was difficult and so I was repeating it and did you know how important that term is... and we would explain a few good things about that word and hey, things were peaceful and merrier again...
Unfortunately, today, I think we are more interested in Hurting and breaking up rather than trying to patch up... After all... it is a busy life for many...
What is your take on this! Any Reasoning which can help me have a better idea!
Cheers,
theSids.10 people like this
22 responses
@fashionfever (2200)
• Indonesia
3 Apr 12
Hello thesids
Im not sure if the kind of swear or cuss words are available in the dictionary, sometime I need to look up on internet to find out what is the meaning of the words (sorry Im just being dumb here) I know that you mean how come this kind of words is exist in our world, why do to they have to created this cuss words. I think it is because they want to express themself better, like when they are angry they need to make it bold and clear that they are really angry. Well, to be honestly when Im really angry I dont yell or swearing but I break something 
Oh my God, I never see people using H2O, CuSo3, pythagoras, to curse or swearing. Your idea is good, so it can help to distract the tension or emotion for a while so we can settle down. I think if we use too much curse or swearing it will only add more and more temperature to the conversation.
3 people like this
@grandpa_lash (5225)
• Australia
3 Apr 12
"Oh my God"??????????????????
You just took the Lord's name in vain, is that not cussing?
Lash
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
3 Apr 12
Hi fashionfever
breaking things but still better in my view.... swearing at anyone doesnt bring any good to you and the relationship - it always creates distances and harmonies. my personal views no doubt but I have got enough proof of this.
breaking things but still better in my view.... swearing at anyone doesnt bring any good to you and the relationship - it always creates distances and harmonies. my personal views no doubt but I have got enough proof of this.2 people like this
@fashionfever (2200)
• Indonesia
3 Apr 12
Oh My crochet hook!!!! I did not realize I use the cuss word :D
2 people like this
@vandana7 (100255)
• India
3 Apr 12
There is always less of malice when money is not involved. Children do not know how valuable assets their monies can buy them, so they are not jealous, and therefore, they are fine without cussing and swearing I suppose. :)
I have to admit, I did that. But to keep undesirable people away. I was and am always in control on usage of such words. But you can hear the word sheet quite often from me. How unladylike, right? :)
2 people like this
@vandana7 (100255)
• India
5 Apr 12
When I worked in a construction firm, many who came from vernacular schools tried to copy my language - without knowing the meanings. They were particularly impressed with my sheet ...lol So one fine day one of them had the guts to ask me what it was ..and I told her that it means cow dung..you never got to hear that word from her after that. lol
But our language is filled with such filth and I always heard it..almost non-stop. People from villages are not exactly polished. So cussing is more common amongst landlords who cuss the laborers and maids..you know the feudal variety. And it has seeped into the cities and unfortunately, into mine. But as I said, if I use it, I use it to keep people out of my way..a calculated move. Some people do not know how to take a no so they leave no choice.
@vandana7 (100255)
• India
3 Apr 12
By the way excessive usage of the words takes the sting out of them, so new words have to be created which are more potent.
I mean when I was young, idiot was bad. Sheet was ..couldnt let nuns hear that one. Then as I grew up I learnt the four letter word. Did you notice that it is now used as synonym for sheet? :)
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
4 Apr 12
Hi Vandana
Reading so many great responses above, now I definitely start to believe that it is not unladylike. Sometimes you do need to vent out and these sometimes are okay if they are "some" times. Everyone of us has his or her own bearing capacities and when the capacity is fill up to the brim... you have to empty some of it so that you can add some more to it...
[i]
excessive usage of the words takes the sting out of them, so new words have to be created which are more potent.[/i] rightfully so... going by that some new words might already be in the pipelines to replace many of those F words I guess... learning process never ends
Reading so many great responses above, now I definitely start to believe that it is not unladylike. Sometimes you do need to vent out and these sometimes are okay if they are "some" times. Everyone of us has his or her own bearing capacities and when the capacity is fill up to the brim... you have to empty some of it so that you can add some more to it...
[i]
excessive usage of the words takes the sting out of them, so new words have to be created which are more potent.[/i] rightfully so... going by that some new words might already be in the pipelines to replace many of those F words I guess... learning process never ends1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
3 Apr 12
Hi Bhai!
I use swear words when I'm upset or angry. And yes these words Are break things up , not mend things. I use the words Everyone can understand.
I use swear words when I'm upset or angry. And yes these words Are break things up , not mend things. I use the words Everyone can understand. 2 people like this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
3 Apr 12
i agree. i cant stand to hear some of the worst language used in my house at times and son has tried to stop daughters bf from saying them like its a natural thing. its only natural to say them for low and stupid character if you ask me. im talking about the worst, like the GD word, using our lords name in vein and the F word. daughter tries to take up for her bf by saying its the way youth talks these days. but its wrong. funny my kids, grown and all dont use them ever other word in talking and its embarrassing to be out somewhere with someone that dont know how to speak decent language and just use curse words constant. it also seems to cause you to pick it up if you are around it always. why i dont be around him much. 
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
4 Apr 12
i was not talking about you being low or stupid. i was referring to my daughters bf. i had no idea you used this kind of language my kids made me think its only them young ones. sorry. when did i say you? yes, i guess big words are sometimes hard for me. oh please dont let this be another rage war. i wasnt talking about you at all. dont even know you. 
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
4 Apr 12
btw, cuss all you want Lash. good for you. i dont have to live with you or hear you cuss my daughter like her bf does. so no ones saying you shouldnt you are free to do as you like. just dont be mad at me or hateful because i dont like my daughters bf calling her everything! please.
you are free to do as you like. just dont be mad at me or hateful because i dont like my daughters bf calling her everything! please. 1 person likes this
@grandpa_lash (5225)
• Australia
4 Apr 12
I find I tend to use these words with malignant intent mainly to people whose prejudices show them up for fools. By the way, far from being a "low and stupid character" I am a Doctor of Philosophy, yet my language is quite unselfconsciously vernacular in the right context - er, sorry, I shouldn't use big words with you should I - I mean I swear a lot in most circumstances, but not when it would be inappropriate.
Lash
2 people like this
@grandpa_lash (5225)
• Australia
3 Apr 12
I think perhaps we are talking about cross-cultural misunderstandings here. In my country, apart from pockets of hoity-toity intellectual pretenders and the highly religious, swear words are simply a part of the vernacular and are simply not taken seriously unless the context and tone of voice make them serious. They are not primarily used to hurt, or shock, but simply to emphasise.
I'll go further. I am a militant atheist, but I have been raised in a culture which is nominally Christian, and "taking the Lord's name in vain" is theoretically a terrible thing. Yet although I no longer concern myself with such silliness, I still tend to use terms like "Oh God!", or "Jesus Christ!" in exactly the same way as I might use "phuck", or "sh1t", or "bast*rd" - as simple emphasis. There is no religious or even anti-religious intent to the use of these terms, merely common vernacular usage.
Lash
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
3 Apr 12
Hi grandpa
nothing about the religious or cultural thing here. Just a need to understand why these words exist as I firmly believe that when the languages were being developed, such words were not a part of them from day One. So why or what lead to their inclusion and why more and more people use these words
nothing about the religious or cultural thing here. Just a need to understand why these words exist as I firmly believe that when the languages were being developed, such words were not a part of them from day One. So why or what lead to their inclusion and why more and more people use these words2 people like this
@marguicha (222856)
• Chile
3 Apr 12
I loved your explanation of the files of Scotland Yard, Perg. I feel that if there is a word, it is because it is needed. Cursing is used by many instead of other words used before but with the same purpose: to emphasize. In my language they have it too. I use them in exasperation when I´m looking into the freezer and a frozen piece of food falls on my foot. There are many instances of the day when an ehasperating thing happens (I lose my glasses, the potatoes burn while I´m mylotting). No harm meant to anyone. When I´m truly angry, I´m a lady.
. I feel that if there is a word, it is because it is needed. Cursing is used by many instead of other words used before but with the same purpose: to emphasize. In my language they have it too. I use them in exasperation when I´m looking into the freezer and a frozen piece of food falls on my foot. There are many instances of the day when an ehasperating thing happens (I lose my glasses, the potatoes burn while I´m mylotting). No harm meant to anyone. When I´m truly angry, I´m a lady.@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
4 Apr 12
@pergammano
FAST PACED and Abbreviated Seems to be quite true for today's hi- generation... btw h2s or cuco3 too is abbreviated
FAST PACED and Abbreviated Seems to be quite true for today's hi- generation... btw h2s or cuco3 too is abbreviated1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
3 Apr 12
My hubby is always using a cuss word whenever he would tell stories. I know it's a cuss word, hence i can't help getting irritated him speaking it. Though , he didn't mean to cuss at me, i get hurt. I just don't like him saying it and that i would tell him so.
He would laugh and say it's just an expression, but still i am asking him to get it out of his system, but it seems it's already embedded in him to say it. 
Mostly, i hear men use these cuss word. It seems to me that they feel manly saying so.
Mostly, i hear men use these cuss word. It seems to me that they feel manly saying so. 2 people like this
@grandpa_lash (5225)
• Australia
3 Apr 12
Then you would have considerable difficulty in dealing with the large number of women in my country who "cuss" as much as the men. It has nothing to do with manliness, at least not in anyone over 15. It is, as your husband says, just an expression.
Lash
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
3 Apr 12
Hi SimplyD
manly in using these words
Never thought of those angles... Well, here anyone is free though we dont get to see many ladies say them loud and clear though many say those in closed and lower tones for sure.
Personally, I had gout entangled into their use for a while during sometime in 2000-2002 but luckily I moved on and realized that here people take it in the negative hurtful shades more... so I stayed away
manly in using these words Never thought of those angles... Well, here anyone is free though we dont get to see many ladies say them loud and clear though many say those in closed and lower tones for sure.
Personally, I had gout entangled into their use for a while during sometime in 2000-2002 but luckily I moved on and realized that here people take it in the negative hurtful shades more... so I stayed away 2 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
10 Apr 12
Grandpa_Lash , Sids,
I just would like to console myself, whenever i hear my husband cuss that it's really just an expression and that by his doing so, he feels manly.
That way, hearing him say this words, seems already natural to me.
That way, hearing him say this words, seems already natural to me. 
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
4 Apr 12
hi the sids I think most cuss words are a poor excuses for not having a good vocabulary myself.I especially I hate the f word, to me making love is a special wonderful part of love and marriage but the f thing takes on a different ugly meaning indeed. And taking the Lord's namein vain I will never do. I love the way you used terms to cuss with that were expressive but not ugly.Like my husband who seldome swore and once he was angry with a neighbor and he went like this " oh you ugly rotten dirty old tin can you,why did you throw garbage into our yard?" I loved the looks on the neigbhor's face as he apologized hen got the heck out of there.we both broke
down laughing.
1 person likes this
@grandpa_lash (5225)
• Australia
5 Apr 12
Hatley, I'm sure it's mostly a generational thing, but your prejudices are showing. I would like to think that you don't see me as "not having a good vocabulary", yet I swear constantly in private/semi-private contexts. One other point: using substitutes like "ugly rotten dirty old tin can" is a bit of a cop-out, because I would say that 99.9999% of people who do so are consciously substituting - and the swear word is there like the elephant in the room that nobody mentions.
Lash
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
3 Apr 12
Well to be honest I think that we use swear words more now as a way to emphasize thing then as a way to be insulting. However, when it is insulting, like the first responder has said, it is said in a different way and clearly meant to insult.
I remember being a child and when caught using a curse word and asked "waht did you just say?" I would try to cover it up by saying oh no I said something else! lol.
1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
4 Apr 12
Hi SomeCowGirl
Exactly my view. When we start out with insulting anyone, for a while in a certain relation it might go on for a while but in the long run this relation too would start taking things in the wrong sides... and mostly in all such cases, people start getting distant... Unhealthy from my point of view and thinking...
When we start learning these cuss words, and use them at wrong places with wrong people, I think this is the best way to handle the situation - I would try to cover it up by saying oh no I said something else! (part of growing up )
Exactly my view. When we start out with insulting anyone, for a while in a certain relation it might go on for a while but in the long run this relation too would start taking things in the wrong sides... and mostly in all such cases, people start getting distant... Unhealthy from my point of view and thinking...
When we start learning these cuss words, and use them at wrong places with wrong people, I think this is the best way to handle the situation - I would try to cover it up by saying oh no I said something else! (part of growing up )1 person likes this
If I am... I would love to be in such problems as I will have something to think positive and fight again... I love fighting with myself and my surroundings
@changjiangzhibin89 (16759)
• China
3 Apr 12
Every place has its own swear or cuss words.over here ,the cuss words we hear the most are "hell","blast it" which are some people's pet phrase.As I see it,people who cuss know well that their cuss words can't come true,they only take it out on that ,when they stick in their craw due to suffering an unexpected setbacks or being offended by others.However I don't mean that I like the swear or cuss words.
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
3 Apr 12
Hi changjiangzhibin
I have been waiting for you to show up so that I can ask you how was your New Year celeberations with the family! I expected some discussion as a follow up to the one you had... and even a couple of pictures dear friend.
You are quite right, every language has a set of these cuss words. I also agree that none of us would appreciate anyone using those cuss words against us but most of us use them for others... a conflicting situation as I see it and also unhealthy
I have been waiting for you to show up so that I can ask you how was your New Year celeberations with the family! I expected some discussion as a follow up to the one you had... and even a couple of pictures dear friend.
You are quite right, every language has a set of these cuss words. I also agree that none of us would appreciate anyone using those cuss words against us but most of us use them for others... a conflicting situation as I see it and also unhealthy2 people like this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16759)
• China
4 Apr 12
Thanks a lot,you still remember our New Year celebration with the family.We all had a happy New Year.You are right! If everyone "do as he would be done by",no one would use the cuss words.
1 person likes this
@viju0410 (2286)
• India
4 Apr 12
Hi thesids,
many use these words when they are angry or when they run short of words.
In our city the words are being used by even the ladies but personally i never use any such words.
Now that LOL is to be included in the Oxford dictionary so do yu think people would start using LOL often?
Take care
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
4 Apr 12
hi viju
maybe you are quite right when we are angry or really frustrated or upset, these cuss words come out... but then it is better to vent out as many psychologists say - and I too have realized keeping everything inside doesnt do much good either.
LOL is quite a word which is mostly used as a word/lingo for laugh out loud and I doubt if it would be used in a wrong sense... still I am quite unsure as it is too early
maybe you are quite right when we are angry or really frustrated or upset, these cuss words come out... but then it is better to vent out as many psychologists say - and I too have realized keeping everything inside doesnt do much good either.
LOL is quite a word which is mostly used as a word/lingo for laugh out loud and I doubt if it would be used in a wrong sense... still I am quite unsure as it is too early1 person likes this
@Inderjeetkaur (944)
• India
4 Apr 12
Hello thesids,
I have no idea behind this idea and have a big problem with these cuss words and slangs. I really don't understand what's the need of speaking out such words. If anyone wants to express anger it can be done even without using these words.
I know these words have been a part of people's expressions since ages, but I strongly feel that the reality shows of today's times have played a big role in sweeping away the suaveness of speech and manners. Girls and boys of 19 years and less are seen using heavy slangs on national television. I don't understand what do they get out of it... I don't think any reasoning can justify this behavior.
1 person likes this
@Inderjeetkaur (944)
• India
5 Apr 12
Truly! I also believe that it is good to vent one's anger, but then it can be done in a nicer way.
Cheers!
@enelym001 (8322)
• Philippines
3 Apr 12
Hi Godson
Most of the people I know swear or use cuss words... for some it is just an expression. My brother always have it in his words and it doesn't mean anything to him. But of course I know that it wouldn't be good if he would use it to people he's not friends with.
Most of the people I know swear or use cuss words... for some it is just an expression. My brother always have it in his words and it doesn't mean anything to him. But of course I know that it wouldn't be good if he would use it to people he's not friends with.1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
4 Apr 12
Hi Godmom
First, I had been wrong in typing out godmom without the "G"... Thanks for correcting it
Some people here (at my place) too never understand the meaning or implications but would just keep on using such words (actually this discussion was inspired by one such person who doesnt understand much of english but keeps on adding the F and the Sh$$ words whenever and wherever he feels comfy).
One can afford to use these words with friends once in a while but that too doesnt go well with me as I dont see any need... I think being straight and simple helps me many a times
First, I had been wrong in typing out godmom without the "G"... Thanks for correcting it
Some people here (at my place) too never understand the meaning or implications but would just keep on using such words (actually this discussion was inspired by one such person who doesnt understand much of english but keeps on adding the F and the Sh$$ words whenever and wherever he feels comfy).
One can afford to use these words with friends once in a while but that too doesnt go well with me as I dont see any need... I think being straight and simple helps me many a times1 person likes this
@CODYMAC (1356)
• San Diego, California
3 Apr 12
Hey thesids. How are you? I am thinking that they were introduced because people were using them so much people needed to have a proper understanding of where they came from. I swear sometimes......but I too wondered where these words came from, and like you said, I now know it was from normal words that later people thought were being abused to mean something else. I think that if people would see where they originated, many would think, "well it isnt fun to say that anymore.." Hope you have a great day...
...but I too wondered where these words came from, and like you said, I now know it was from normal words that later people thought were being abused to mean something else. I think that if people would see where they originated, many would think, "well it isnt fun to say that anymore.." Hope you have a great day...1 person likes this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
12 Apr 12
Hi CODYMAC
I now know it was from normal words that later people thought were being abused to mean something else. I think that if people would see where they originated, many would think, "well it isnt fun to say that anymore.."
Many of the words as you rightly mention tend to have been for use in simple meanings but their usage has made them look like bad words
I now know it was from normal words that later people thought were being abused to mean something else. I think that if people would see where they originated, many would think, "well it isnt fun to say that anymore.."
Many of the words as you rightly mention tend to have been for use in simple meanings but their usage has made them look like bad words @sid556 (30960)
• United States
4 Apr 12
Hi sids
Not sure just what words you are referring to here. I am not sure which ones are now in the dictionary. Most of the cuss and swear words I know can and are used in ways that are not angry or violent but those same words could be. I've heard the F-word used in conversations to empahsize something and it is not offensive unless the person is using it directly on you. Be more specific, sids.
Not sure just what words you are referring to here. I am not sure which ones are now in the dictionary. Most of the cuss and swear words I know can and are used in ways that are not angry or violent but those same words could be. I've heard the F-word used in conversations to empahsize something and it is not offensive unless the person is using it directly on you. Be more specific, sids. 
@ifa225 (14461)
• Indonesia
7 Apr 12
Hi Sid
hmmm the idea behind the word is...the more sophisticated your words, the more clever you look, the more educated you are.
the more complicated the words, the more meaning of the words
thus the more your brain translated it in many ways
and the more reasons you have to cheat...
hmmm the idea behind the word is...the more sophisticated your words, the more clever you look, the more educated you are.
the more complicated the words, the more meaning of the words
thus the more your brain translated it in many ways
and the more reasons you have to cheat...
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
18 Apr 12
Hi thesids! Sorry I am so terribly late answering your discussion! I have been quite covered up lately. Much more than I ever have been before.
I can't think of one good reason why people use those words. I have been told that it is usually because they don't have a word in their mind to use so they replace it with a cuss word.
@NatashaBird (640)
•
5 Apr 12
Taboo words actually have multiple uses that make then somewhat beneficial to speakers.
I study linguistics and taboo words are a very interesting topci to consider.
For one they allow you to express thoughts or emphasis that wouldn't be reachable otherwise. For example, the incident with Joe Bidens when he whispered "This is a big f***ing deal" to Obama at the signing ceremony for American healthcare reforms. Has he simply said;
- this is a big deal -
or something like;
- this is a very big deal - or - this is a big darn deal -
it wouldn't have had the same effect (on the conversation, not the public outcry that followed).
Yes, swear words are used to insult people, but if someone really wishes to hurt another with words then they will do it regardless of if they swear at them. Eventually if they keep using the same word over and over again it will itself become taboo. You can see this from the way certain acceptabel words have become taboo even when not in a swearing context, damn and hell for example.
There's not a language in the world that does not have at least one taboo word.
Most interestingly, there have been psychological experiments that strongly suggest that the use of swear words is cathartic and can be used to notably lessen pain. There's a good reason that we curse when we get hurt.
Birdie -
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
6 Apr 12
hi NatashaBird
great to have you here on this discussion as my next question could only get clarified by someone who is into linguistics...
You mention that these banned words have a greater emphasizing capacity which gets obvious by the example you cite. True. Now my question is - when these words did not exist, then too people used some words (which I think were better) to emphasize.
I am quite sure that this F word used in the example wasnt existent say 40 years ago... and so there must have been some other words which would have been used better... So why the need of using these F word today? Is it the generation or the frustration of the people using such words
great to have you here on this discussion as my next question could only get clarified by someone who is into linguistics...
You mention that these banned words have a greater emphasizing capacity which gets obvious by the example you cite. True. Now my question is - when these words did not exist, then too people used some words (which I think were better) to emphasize.
I am quite sure that this F word used in the example wasnt existent say 40 years ago... and so there must have been some other words which would have been used better... So why the need of using these F word today? Is it the generation or the frustration of the people using such words
@allknowing (136100)
• India
4 Apr 12
Using bad words used to be the man's domain. Not anymore.More and more women resort to using these words these days and they no longer shock anyone. These words are used merely to emphasise the discontent one feels although they do vitiate the environment and could be avoided.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72281)
• Philippines
10 Apr 12
Hello Sid!
I'm someone who doesn't curse at all. I hate cursing and i don't like them at all. When we were young we live in an apartment next to our Aunt (my mom's older sister) who curses a lot. Even her children (and she has 8) did that all day. We could hear them often but my mom would always warn us never to imitate them at all. If we did she would slap our mouth so we would remember never to say it again.
I was raise not to curse and though my friends do that all the time, i still prefer to be just me.
