OK, I'm a 30 something guy and I don't swear. I believe it indicates that the person doing the swearing is so stupid that they can not mount a valid argument and therefore let fly.
2006-08-31 19:10:22 · 29 answers · asked by malts97 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I find that swearing is a sign of immaturity more than stupidity.
2006-08-31 19:16:07 · answer #1 · answered by Kathy F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Some people swear only when exasperated. But if a person is a constant swearer, as if the expletive is his or her punctuation mark for every sentence or phrase uttered (some even use it as an adverb!), that's a sign of (to put it crudely) lack of breeding. Swearing is more often than a developed habit. When all members of the family swear, most assuredly even the youngest will swear when able to talk. Among peers who talk trash, a new member will eventually adopt the habit... if only to conform.
The case you are citing is sometimes true. Some will swear at another when they are at a loss to express themselves in an argument. Or worse, they do the talking with their fists and much more.
2006-09-01 04:05:54 · answer #2 · answered by Bummerang 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't part of proper language- it is known as slang. Usually if a person uses offensive language too much it might indicate limited vocabulary or inability to defend themselves with the right words or valid argument like you said- thus swear words hide this. Also It tends to give the 'tough guy image' yet in other ways it can be used in a funny way too. It is not exactly a sign of stupidity rather a sign of insecurities. I agree with Mitch - as I do find it vulgar. That's my opinion anyway.
2006-09-03 10:10:01 · answer #3 · answered by VelvetRose 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yours is a common perception; I have experienced it as a sort of elitist rationale, but what the f--- do I know?
Seriously, when I was in college, I had a cultural studies class ("cultural anthropology" perhaps?) in which I learned that a social scientist in the last century studied the habits, proclivities, tendencies, etc. of various social classes. One trait found more often in blue collar culture than in the upper classes was a tendency toward swearing....It might be interesting for you to look up this study online sometime & draw your own conclusions.
Or quiz professors from various cultural studies departments around the country, via email; you may find that folks are very generous with what they know).
In any case, good luck with your research!
suzannesmith.wordpress.com
2006-09-01 02:31:40 · answer #4 · answered by suzanne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Swearing can be useful to get a point across, but overuse of certain words dilute their effectiveness. For example: If you know someone who cusses like a sailor, you would not be particularly moved when they swore to emphasize how strongly they felt about something. On the other hand, if your grandmother, whom you never heard say anything more acidic than damn, were to show her intense disgust, fear, worry etc., by laying the F word on you; that would certainly show how sincere she was in her feelings. Moderation is the key. Swear tastefully!
2006-09-01 03:40:47 · answer #5 · answered by Proud Liberal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not necessarily sign of stupidity (I know of people who are extremely polite and proper but do lack in intelligence / knowledge / understanding / resourcefulness department). It's more of a sign of: upbringing, emotional immaturity / intelligence, stress levels, inability to deal with difficult situations, attempt to overpower and/or control, extreme frustration, anger, fear etc.
You've mentioned 'a valid argument' so if the particular situation is where someone is angry and pressured it does perhaps show a lack of emotional intelligence... although doing something stupid does get some people to swear (to themselves) in which case it does confirm a level of stupidity (in that particular moment only) or perhaps just a lack of attention (such as hitting a thumb with a hummer if nailing something... But haven't you ever said s**t or something?
2006-09-01 02:59:25 · answer #6 · answered by Art 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I think that it signals a person who lacks a quick mind or a good argument. Not necessarily stupidity. I swear on occasion because it sometimes feels good to let it out.
2006-09-01 02:49:33 · answer #7 · answered by Rae 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on how many swear words they use in a sentence, I swear alot more when I have been drinking, some maybe it is a sign of stupidity.
2006-09-01 02:17:27 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. Trashy people swear, trashy people can be smart, but they are still acting trashy when they get vulgar.
My husband has a masters degree and on occasion, well a word or two isn't pretty. He's very smart, but sometimes it slips out. Others just use it like regular language....they seem to revel in being classless.
2006-09-01 03:44:24 · answer #9 · answered by chris 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If a person swears in huge paragraphs it may be a sign of stupidity. But otherwise it just means you are upset.
2006-09-01 04:29:59 · answer #10 · answered by jasminelilia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋