Why in your opinion is swearing socially unacceptable?

Answer 1

I don't know but i'm glad it is!

Answer 2

I think it might not be exactly that the swearing is socially unacceptable, more of a case that the people around you/ with you are uncomortable with the verbage that is being chosen. Example being I was out with some old friends at a nice restaurant over the past weekend, and my one friend constantly used the f word. Now I don't mind hearing the word, however I did feel uncomfortable about the reaction of the families around us. I told him about it, and he reacted with a yeah whatever type attitude. It wasn't until he was with his girlfriend on a train in NYC the following Tuesday that he realized what I was saying. Another passenger was on her cell-phone talking to her friend about another woman she was obviously not in agreement with over something. She was using derogatory slang terms defining the other woman's female anatomy, and my good friends girlfriend was getting very uncomfortable. He told me, hey, now I realize why you don't like cursing in public. So my theory that it's not the actual words, but the place the acceptance of the words in the social setting you are in that makes it generally socially unacceptable.

Another point is that if you are somewhat of an educated person, your vocabulary should arm you with eneough adjectives to insult anyone without having to use simple swears.

How about the theory that music, television, movies, etc., that use curse words excessively are usually movies about thugs, gangsters, lowlifes....who wants to be associated with those types of people? I don't know the answer to that, but the fact is that some people are gangsters, and they do prefer the tough talk.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

Answer 3

Swearing is a great topic. What is a swear word and what makes it so bad. Who determined the definition of F*ck, and why is it so bad? I think its socially unacceptable because too many people are too lazy to actually sit there and analyze the words. Whats the difference between saying sh*t and poop. I actually think it sounds worse saying poop. Some say swearing is vulgar, but I can be just as mean and vulgar by using non swear words.

Answer 4

Its not just socially unacceptable its a crime.
i got arrested a few weeks ago (THIS IS NOT A JOKE) for swearing at my neighbour. The police locked me in a cell for 6 hours. interviewed me took fingerprints and my picture and gave me a caution. Apparently i commited an offence of causing intentional harassment alarm or distress. Now this woman swore at me too but i didnt feel the need to have her arrested. i think that swearing is socially acceptable. just watch who you swear at there are some evil bastards out there that will have you arrested.

Answer 5

it is only socially unacceptable in certain situations. The phrase, "There's a time and a place for everything." spings to mind. Some people and even companies tolerate and like swearing...just depends. Try 'talking dirty' to a Geordie without swearing - impossible!

Answer 6

In some arenas of life it is expected. In polite society, it is frowned upon, because it is considered to come from the mouths of the inarticulate, who's vocabulary is limited. Of course, there are different degrees of swear word, the occasional use of minor swear words in appropriate circumstanses should be acceptable to all but the most sensitive ear. I also think that you associate swearing with anger which, in itself, is normally regarded as anti-social. It might be interesting to ask, " what purpose does swearing serve?

Answer 7

Because we as a society NEED words to use for special 'anti-social' occasions to express our shock, disgust, repulsion or anger. It is unacceptable to use swear words i think in 'social occassions' like family gatherings because swear words here are inappropriate and not needed. I also don't like the way UK television is so relaxed about swearing after 9pm, I mean why is c#nt the ONLY word you can't say for F#ck's sake!

Answer 8

I think any swearing in public is socially unaccepted, it isn't needed, indicates a lack of learning, breeding and lacks class.

I also disapprove of the manner in which offensive or vulgar language in films is referred to as "strong" language indicating it is somehow more powerful than regular socially accepted conversational vocabularies.

Answer 9

Swearing is only unacceptable when used in the wrong context, it is now a part of everyday conversation and although i prefer not to here this 'base' form of language i have become de-sensitised to it and can filter it out.

Answer 10

I don't think swearing is socially unacceptable. I think it is more of a class thing. As for vocabulary I think mine is adequate and for being lazy and not using adjectives I think arsehole if a very good one.

Answer 11

Swearing uses words that people associate with the bodily activities (s*hit, shite, piss, pish) or with sexual activity (shag, fcuk, bugger) or with sexual organs (prick, ****, fanny, balls etc). Many people feel that these are activities and bits that are private and should be kept private, and so using these words is intended to shock or offend - because they do!
My personal opinion is this - I swear on occasion when the right words wont come to mind because Im angry or Ive hurt myself - you know - when you hit your thumb with the hammer a wee expletive pops out! The more we rely on the various inflections and meanings these words can convey, and the word fcuk is a great example of this flexibility - we lose the richness of an alternative vocabulary to express ourselves verbally.
We all know that fcuk can be used in many different contexts to describe surprise, anger, shock, dismay, despair, or frustration. Its a bit of an etymological gymnast. But to use it means we lose our capacity to effectively communicate. And in some situations its a great word to use - so the overuse of the word fcuk actually lessens its quite powerful impact. Save our swearwords!