Not only are curse words uncessary, they usually are used in the improper way, correct?

Question

Today I'm focusing on the word "hell"

Most people use this word in common sentences like,

"What the hell was that?"
"What the hell are you talking about?"

The word "hell" just by itself is a noun, so using it in these sentences is like saying,
"What the car are you talking about?"

I believe "hell" could be used as an adjective if you throw an "ish" to make it "hellish"

"That persons' face was hellish"

Am I correct? What's your opinion?

In response to answers like Paige's, if you think hell is being used correctly then what does the word "hell" represent in this sentence.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

Not a made up definition, use the word.

Answer 1

It's being said correctly.. you just have to look at what context it's in.

Edit: Actually I just said it, mostly becaust it's actually listed in the dictionary, as an idiom. It's just mostly used for slang.

Answer 2

Curse words are part of the spice of vocabulary, and they shouldn't be overused. In a perfect world, they'd be used only for intense, important statements.

In the phrase "What the hell was that?", it acts as a modifier to show that the speaker was scared or very surprised. I think it's a shortened form of "What in the name of hell was that?" In which case, it would imply that the speaker thinks it was, well, a hellacious sound.

At any rate, it isn't a perfect world, and curse words are overused, abused, shortened and used any which way. Look at "good-bye." Do you really wish that God will go with every person you bid good-bye to? And what in the heck would "bye-bye" then mean? Be-with-you, be-with-you.

But they do serve a purpose, or people wouldn't use them. Basically, they are intensifiers. Although, when language becomes filled with intensity (I had to fu::ing go the fu::ing garage today!), it tends to lose meaning. It can become laughable, but ultimately, it just becomes boring.

Hellish is a perfectly good adjective. I dunno about a hellish face, but you can talk about "simply hellish weather we are having today, isn't it?"

My favorite hell phrase is from Dorothy Parker (-:. She's at a boring party (IIRC) and asks the readers, "What fresh hell is this?"

In the right hands, hell can be a hell of a word. (-:

Answer 3

Completely so you can be much more effective without cursing for a classic example check the posting I left on " my boards on AOL " it started way before the 11th century and see where profanity can get you I have been having a bit of fun with the ignorant , stupid and unwashed I will admit all anyone ever has to do is use the language effectively and be eloquent

Answer 4

You are correct. People need to think about what they are saying. It is
pitiful how we talk. It is unimaginative to use cuss words all the time.
There are many beautiful words out there just dying to be used. People
need to read. This will give them an opportunity to get to know more words.

Answer 5

You are correct. Generally, people (especially here at Yahoo!) use a lot of words improperly!

However, in phrases such as "What the hell ....?", "the hell" is a substitution of "in hell". It has become idiomatic.

Answer 6

When I say "What in the hell...." I'm referring to the person literary being in hell and blabbing off. So I want to know what in the hell are you talking about?

Answer 7

Yeah, i think u r right. But what the car are u talking about? Wouldn't u prefer what the fudgie are u talking about?

Answer 8

What the hell?? lol

Answer 9

I definitley think thats right. It makes a lot of sense.

Answer 10

you are either A. a teacher and "one hell of a teacher" or B. you have no life, " a hellishly lonely life" thats my opinion