I mean...isn't it just in a person's head because we've been raised to think they are bad? A word is just a word...that's all, isn't it?
2006-07-03 15:24:39 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
What makes ANY word "good" or "bad" ? It is all based on the agreed upon meaning of the word in the particular language--the very thing that makes language possible.
So it's not making the sounds themselves that is at issue, nor is it (usually) about what's in one particular person's head. It is that you CHOOSE to make sounds (that is, speak a word) that you KNOW are used to convey that particular meaning in the language you are speaking.
I'm sure you know this, or you would calmly, even joyfully, cuss out a small child or someone you love deeply.
In the same way, "Fire!" is just a set of sounds too -- but if you holler it, willy-nilly, in a crowded theater, it will have an effect for which you are morally, and probably legally, answerable.
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The point is that language is a SOCIAL activity -- to work, it depends on people's sharing an understanding of what the symbols will mean.
And so, it's not OK to simply use any word you choose any way you choose and claim "well *I* meant something ELSE by it".
My favorite illustration of this point comes from *Alice through the Looking Glass*:
""There's glory for you!"
"I don't know what you mean by 'glory,' " Alice said.
Humpty Dumpty smiled contemptuously. "Of course you don't—till I tell you. I meant 'there's a nice knock-down argument for you!' "
"But 'glory' doesn't mean 'a nice knock-down argument,' " Alice objected.
"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less."
"The question is, " said Alice, "whether you can make words mean so many different things."
"The question is," said Humpty Dumpty. "which is to be master—that's all.""
http://www.wordspy.com/words/HumptyDumptylanguage.asp
2006-07-03 21:24:34 · answer #1 · answered by bruhaha 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because in the "collective" unconscious, this word is loaded with a bad, negative connotation. Generally, a bad word is a bad word for more than 1 person.
2006-07-03 23:05:34 · answer #2 · answered by fabee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because soctiety made the words "bad words" but nowadays, society makes "bad words" seem like "good words" becasue they keep saying them in movies that are rated PG, and music that plays in public..and a bunch of other stuff.
2006-07-06 17:55:26 · answer #3 · answered by &&allTHEcyanideYOUdrankxxx<3& 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it's true that its only word, but ever heard words that hurt? words that make you down? words that break you apart?....no reasons to use thoes words its just because its meanings are hurtful...nobody like being hurt, dont you?
2006-07-03 22:34:28 · answer #4 · answered by Ivy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good question.
its just a word. one day we should make kill a bad word. because to kill is a horrible thing. i dont get it. why do we spell dawn like we do, but spell gone like that and not like gawn.
stupidity, really.
2006-07-03 22:29:53 · answer #5 · answered by sunnnyy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's the intended meaning that makes them bad.
2006-07-03 22:29:17 · answer #6 · answered by the redcuber 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are absolutely right so go f...ck yourself B...tch! I hope you are not mad, it is only words after all!
2006-07-04 01:06:28 · answer #7 · answered by ExtraCash 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's what it MEANS is not really pleasant.
2006-07-03 22:27:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it hurts some one
2006-07-10 17:52:23 · answer #9 · answered by emyke80 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋