I mean,surely we can still get our points across without resorting to 4-letter words..
I've honestly thought about it and can't come up with an answer...
2006-09-26 23:04:34 · 13 answers · asked by Emma Woodhouse 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Hmm,anger,ignorance,to shock and offend,to express oneself..I'm really getting a lot of insight here..
2006-09-26 23:18:55 · update #1
Well,it can't be stopped anyway,Eriverpipe..just wanted to know WHY. Interesting and refreshing view,btw..
2006-09-26 23:27:29 · update #2
No,sorry,Suraya,I'm not the author,but thanks for asking.
2006-09-27 04:39:56 · update #3
Sometimes people feel empowered by using words that are against society's proper standard. Sometimes its all they have been brought up hearing so they see nothing wrong with it. Sometimes it helps you to release your anger by cussing.
2006-09-26 23:11:33 · answer #1 · answered by annette11478 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In addition to the reasons given above, I'd have to say a basic 'why not?'. Profanity is a rich and essential part of the language, which has been in use since some of the earliest recorded communication by speech (Viking oaths, Anglo Saxon curses). Do you not think it is prudish to insist that people cut out this long standing and linguistically valid form of expression? I would utterly disagree with the person above who says it is a 'lack of vocabulary'. This is an entirely stupid remark. Surely it is the people who choose not to use profanity in their language who are reducing the vocabulary available to them!!
2006-09-27 06:23:15 · answer #2 · answered by eriverpipe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's ok in anger, however when I hear woman swearing in the street at their children I really want to say something. Also, I think some people do not know enough words, so have to fill the gaps with swear words. So I guess anger and ignorance is my answer.
2006-09-27 06:15:28 · answer #3 · answered by Annie M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Johnny Rotten once said "I don't have to swear. I have a big vocabulary."
I think people swear because its so easy. We're taught not to say those words as children and of course use them excessively whenever possible. It becomes habit and eventually verbal diarrhea, something we can't stop doing.
I've tried giving it up quite a few times, but fail miserably each time. I try to swear mostly in jest now. Like saying "Bastard" when someone tells me they get to sleep in on the day I have to get up early, but while smiling. Or "D amn you!" when someone foils a not-so-evil plot of mine. If I can avoid swearing while arguing, I'm very proud of myself! Cuz like the man said... I really do have a big vocabulary.
2006-09-27 06:11:03 · answer #4 · answered by Suraya 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To express themselves. I agree that such words make one sound vulgar and coarse, but sometimes only a short crude word really expresses what I am feeling. However, I try to not let such feelings (or words) go in public. I have been known to lose control though. Words are just words though. I try not to over react when others use a lot of "bad" ones in their conversation.
2006-09-27 06:11:43 · answer #5 · answered by harridan5 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How the %6&$ would I know you *&(^%$&* "!$%^&*(%!
People use swear words if they have limited vocabulary to emphasise their views. Or they use them to let off steam - like when I hit my thumb with a hammer. Or they use them to shock or offend.
2006-09-27 06:07:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It stems from a lack of vocabulary, combined with total insensitivity to the feelings of people around them.
2006-09-27 06:20:54 · answer #7 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it's a better sentence-filler than um. When you need time to think of what to say, just throw in a swear word!
2006-09-27 06:08:39 · answer #8 · answered by babyeddieuk 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What about w***er its more than for letters? They are used to emphasise a point, and so people can sound cool
2006-09-27 06:09:26 · answer #9 · answered by mango_amigone 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because when you hit your thumb with a hammer, "ow" isn't nearly satisfying enough to say.
2006-09-27 06:06:59 · answer #10 · answered by angk 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋