why do people curse??

Question

its a world wide thing and i need to know why people curse

Answer 1

"Terms of profanity have historically been taboo words. Some words originally considered profane have become much less offensive with the increasing secularity of society, while others, primarily racial or ethnic epithets which can be considered part of hate speech, have become increasingly taboo."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Profanity#History

Cursing/swearing/using profane language is, in a small way, "crossing the border" into that place where we're not supposed to be. It is a small, and yes most of the time childish, way of rebelling against the status-quo.

Unfortunately many of the words uttered traditionally in cursing have now become so common place in conversation, TV, movies, popular music, that many people who utter/hear these terms have become "immune" to their senses of "taboo" any more.

In short... cursing is usually a small form of rebellion against societal morality which is becoming more the norm rather than the exception.

I should add here that there are places in literature/dramatic arts/life where cursing is meaningful and effective. I saw a movie years ago where a mother lost her child to a terrible disease. There is a point in the movie where, soon after her child's death, the mother goes out into her yard and night and yells at God.... "Damm you! Damm you!" (and yes... I'm misspelling the curse word to make sure it passes yahoo's screener). Cursing God is a big "taboo" in all major religions but the intensity of her feelings is brought out in her doing this.... her anger at God/the Universe and her deep love for her child.

There are times, when used selectively, when cursing has a deep impact in transmitting feelings/emotions.

Bill

Answer 2

Why DON'T people curse? Because they are WIMPS!!!!!

But seriously folks, it is more a cultural/regional thing. It has absolutely nothing to do with a poor vocabulary (although for some people, it may be the case).
I curse because I am from a region of the united states that curses A LOT, and because my family curses. So it is what your family deems as acceptable.
I have an exceptional vocabulary by the way.
That is not to say that I don't think it is rude in front of some company. As with any kind of public speaking: know your audience.

Answer 3

I dont know but there are kids that get on here and I know I would hate for my 8 year old to repeat some of the stuff I have read. So when u are leaving something it would be great if u would stop and think your kid or sister, brother ect may read this. I know we all curse most when we are mad and others because that is the way we are no real reason people just do.

Answer 4

they're just not mature enough to express their anger and frustration in a proper way. cursing is just easy and also has a shock factor and that makes the person who's doing the cursing, a bit of power.

Answer 5

Different strokes for different folks. For some, it is a statement of self importance. For others, they just don't know how to express themselves without vulgarity. Generally speaking, the less educated the mind, the more obscenity it takes to speak.

And then there are times when someone will come along and just piss you off and you raise hell because of it ;)

Answer 6

a person who usually curses can't find the right words to express whats really on their mind or they don't know those words due to a short vocabulary or to show anger

Answer 7

people curse for a few reasons, but mainly for lack of a better word, they curse, or to express anger or just to use as an amplifier of their other words

Answer 8

Because that is what comes out of my mouth. It doesnt neccesarily mean that I do not have any morals or values. They are just words of expression sometimes. Sometimes it feels as if it is the right thing to say.

Answer 9

Because they donot know the conciquences of it ---If the opponent is right curse came back to the sender.

Answer 10

They do NOT have a large vocabulary range, so they curse instead.