When did cursing become socially acceptable? And why do you think it has happened?

Question

I'm in my thirties and during the course of my work day I hear more people drop the f bomb than I heard over the course of a week during my teens and twenties.

To "beth l" - I work for the military

Answer 1

I think around the 90's is when it really opened up...the movies, music, parents would curse ( heavy duty) in front of their kids etc.
I am talking mainly the F word...that is used so openly it makes one realize just how many un-intelligent people are out there because it takes NO brain power at all to curse like that as often as it's heard...Maybe they think they are impressing people?

Answer 2

Cursing has become more of a form of slang than anything. As society grows more liberal about these things with each generation, the language loosens up and become, well, cruder in in some groups.

For each generation there are going to be things that are acceptable in some situations and not in others. Would those people use those words in front of their grandparents? Unlikely, however they probably will with their own peer group and friends. Also, take a look at words that people still won't use in front of certain groups, the N word, for instance.

It's all about society's growth and evolution. Language is constantly changing, and as it does, its usage begins to morph into something that is completely different from where it started out. Hundreds of years from now, what we consider profanity nowmay have become standard language by then.

Answer 3

its always been sort of an up and down thing,throughout time its has been sometimes more acceptibale and then at other times considered completely obsene, for instance in medieval times to say the word F*** was completely acceptable in most common situations, you might hold your tounge when in the presence of higher society but any other time it would be fine, in contrast in the 1950's to say shucks was almost pushin it and would get some looks if said in the wrong company, its all a matter of how liberal a particular society is at any given time. personally i think theres a time and a place for everything, im not uptight enough to be offended by a swear word but i do think that it makes a person look pretty crude in the wrong situations.

Answer 4

I don't know when it became acceptable but like you, if I had said it in my home growing up - I would know the taste of lye soap - and probably a switch sting - but like you, I hear people drop all kinds of slang and no one seems to be offended, I am, but if I say anything they just blame it on me being a Christian, it doesn't matter than I think it's just plain downright, disgusting and unprofessional to boot. I put a sign with a slash throgh it that says no slang used here and if you don't know what I'm talking about, please note I'll advise you when I hear it. People know, because they enter my office and I don't hear it anymore in my presence, but it's sad that otherwise it's just as American as Apple Pie!

Answer 5

It really hasn't become acceptable. At some point between 1990 and 2000, many Americans lost a lot of judgement. Who knows why.

Answer 6

I don't think it is socially acceptable in every circle but in my opinion - the more we hear curse words on TV and in the media the easier it becomes to utter them ourselves.

Answer 7

it fairly is only a cultural element no longer a ethical project. besides, it could take lots greater advantageous than that to place adult adult males off intercourse - except they're the fusspot type, who are not very alluring themselves. The underarm shaving enables with hygiene via fact the hair holds the perspiration, however the leg shaving is entirely attractiveness, and that i do no longer do it except i bypass swimming or wearing a skirt interior the summertime.

Answer 8

It's not socially acceptable in polite company. I blame the media for constantly airing bad language for making it "seem" socially acceptable.

Answer 9

I don't know but I sure hate it. It literally makes me cringe. I wish people would be more considerate. I think it's because people are becoming desensitized to it. They hear it on TV and music etc. It has just become normal because it's everywhere.

Answer 10

I think it's because all of a sudden it's okay to say it in movies and shows. In old tv there was NO cursing, most of the time.