Do curse words offend you? Why?

Question

A word is only as powerful as you allow it to be. And folks, let's try to limit the christian bible quoting on this. I want to hear from you, not the scriptures.

Answer 1

Even as a Christian, I don't find those words particularly offensive, though I personally refrain from using them (I suppose after Basic Military Training, anyone would be desensitized to them).
They only get on my nerves with people who can't say three words without the third being and curse word. That gets stale real fast.

Answer 2

Words have power no matter how people like to down play that. So when you say it is as powerful as you let it that is not necessarily true. Words can carry negative conotations and history with them, such as curse words. When thinking about them, most are said out of anger and are degrading terms. Why would anyway lower themselves to use them, there is a whole dictionary of words that people can use.

I do consider them offensive for many reasons, but mainly the one I have listed above and the fact that yes I am a Christian and I am careful what I say. However, since you are not interested in scripture I will not force that on you. But that is the basis that I use.

Answer 3

It's not the curse words that can be offensive. It's the attitude in which they are used.
Sure, I can see needing to say something bad when you hit your thumb with a hammer or get in a car accident or something, but I think in normal conversation, there are better ways to express yourself.
If someone seems unable to speak without curse words, that gets old quickly. I wouldn't say I'm offended, but I don't think too highly of that person. I always tell my kids that if they have a good enough vocabulary, they can find another word that gets their meaning across better and doesn't bother anyone.
I guess when I hear someone cursing all the time, it shows me that they don't care about offending other people. Especially if there are kids or elderly people around.
Not respecting other people is the offensive part, in my opinion.

Answer 4

Curse words are a way to demonstrate who is actually the better acting and more intelligent. People who spam curse words lack basic vocabulary.

"F*** this. I can believe they F***ing did that those motherf***ers"
The "F Word" is not really serving a purpose here. It sounds completely idiotic and does not describe the situation.

Talk like you would when writing for your SAT. It makes things clearer and you look more educated (and therefore probably are).
Some words are meant to be powerful and others not. These type of words were made for a reason. If you think they are just part of someones normal vocabulary for the hourly use then you are abusing the words and need to pick up a dictionary.

Answer 5

Obviously you would like to hear the answer "They are just words. They can't hurt you."
But lets get back to reality. Most are only truly offended when considering the SITUATION they are used in.
Would you ever allow anyone to call you a "(C)unt" in public?
It's probably the most disrespectful thing you can do.
This is why it can be painful. When used as a weapon MEANT to harm you (emotionally), how could you take it any other way? Who is this person to talk to me this way? What have I done to deserve this dishonor?
I for one curse all the time, but know darn well when to shut up. And I will be the first one to tell someone else to shut up especially if my kids are present.
So that's it. Bottom line: Let's respect one another.

Answer 6

Sometimes a curse word is meant to illustrate passion. Although most people throw the words around as they would any other word and diminish the desired effect. When ya get down to it, most people curse due to their habitual nature or the lack of vocabulary skills, in pursuit of a better word. Is there a better word for F*ck than F*ck? Hum, don't know.

Is a word as powerful as you allow it to be? This is in the ear of the beholder. (-:

Answer 7

It depends on where and how it is used. There is a time and place for everything. Being intelligent people we should have a vocabulary that does not need curse words. I think they should not be used in public where others can hear them that may be offended-they have rights too.

Answer 8

Curse words are not offensive in general but i's how you use them. I don't my little boy to know the curse words because most of them are used to call someone something. Those are the most offensive. If the word in general only has meanings tied to them by society then shouting "POOP" when you smash your finger with a hammer should be just as fullfilling. So why use the curse word!

Answer 9

Yes, a word is only as powerful as you allow it to be! To me someone that repeatedly uses profanity indicates that he/she is uneducated and not a sufficient knowledge of the vocabulary to use the proper words. It bothers me that curse words have become so common these days. Instead of saying "f.... Y..... whay don't you say something like "Why don't you go and do something socialbly unacceptable and physically impossible?" I think that is more impressive than the alternative. To each his own!

Answer 10

I consider myself to be Christian, and I say all the bad words, except any that use God in them. While I feel God might get upset if his name is dragged into what society considers a bad word, I don't think everyday swear words offend him. So I guess in answer to your question, curse words do not offend me. What is interesting is that in each society different words are considering cursing.