Is it wrong to swear at other people?

Question

Even if they really deserve it.

Answer 1

I would think so, unless you're bad *** enough to stand up to them when they come to whip ya.

Answer 2

It depends on the context. A while back I was parked up in a car park and I was just sat in my car minding my own business. Along came the owners of the car parked next to mine and WHAM. Their passenger door slammed into the side of my car. I certainly wasn't minding my P's and Q's. I felt that swearing was justified because the idiot husband and wife didn't apologise or seem to think they had done anything wrong. Sadly, it seems you have to swear at some ignorant and selfish people these days to make them realise that there are other people that exist in this world other than them. And I mean, I usually hate swearing. My grandparents would be ashamed!

Answer 3

Swearing is just words and if someone has really done you a wrong it is a bit limited. If you want it to have the maximum effect, you have to work at it.
Your average chav swearing hysterically at a parking warden or the bloke in the benefits office is just a cringe. But a respectable granny who looks at you, pauses, and says - "well, f**k you" - that would be pretty effective, no?
So swearing when you're having a bit of a rant is completely ineffective and just makes you look rattled. Considered, calm swearing shows you are annoyed but unruffled and the look on their faces can be priceless.

Answer 4

Yes, it's wrong. If you think about it, it does not really accomplish anything with the exception of letting you blow off steam. And, in general, it makes you look bad as it shows you can't control your temper and that you have a less than polite vocabulary.

What's the real benefit of it? If someones done something to deserve it, that's already told you everything you need about that person. Why drop yourself a notch in social respectability? Be the better person and just walk away.

Answer 5

No, and it keeps the blood pressure down. Naturally it helps to live in a foreign country and only use lesser known English swear words.

Answer 6

Yes it is. Especially if that person has done nothing to you.

If someone out of the blue comes out and insults you, fair enough, if you feel swearing will sort it, do so.

But it is reproachable to go out of your way and find someone that YOU *think* deserves it and insult them. It's unlikely they are trying to offend you, so if you start telling them they're wrong, you're the one to blame

Answer 7

Well if they swear at you YES but then you are lowering yourself to their standard.
Swearing is like a release valve but I find the better remedy is just to stare and put on a silly grin Wow big reaction.

Answer 8

Attributed to Mark Twain:

"Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer."

"When angry count to four; when very angry, swear."

"The idea that no gentleman ever swears is all wrong. He can swear and still be a gentleman if he does it in a nice and benevolent and affectionate way. "

Variously attributed:

"Profanity is the attempt of a weak mind to express itself forcefully."

Answer 9

Swearing is a "cheap" use of language to let people know how you feel. If you wish to insult people it will have far more effect if you choose your worlds creatively. Calling someone a "son of an amoeba" is far more descriptive than the alternative, and it definitely lets them know what you think of them.

Answer 10

Swearing should add emphatic meaning to a statement. Over-indulgence dilutes it's effectiveness. So hold it until the arsehole really, really deserves it!

Answer 11

It's not wrong but it's not always right either, just depends on the situation. Sometimes swearing helps to emphasise your point.