Aren't you dumb if you cuss?

Question

Don't you think that the only reason that people use foul language is because they lack an extensive vocabulary? If you read Shakespeare or any classical literature you will see that they are very clever about insulting people, without the use of foul language.

Answer 1

The use of expletives is not a measure of intelligence. The english language has become much more economical in it's choice and application of words since the 1600's. The use of colorful words to make a point is at times useful. My husband, for example, is very technical, well traveled, extremely well read and very intelligent. This characteristic tends to make him intolerant of stupidity, which he responds to, frequently with the well applied four letter word. This, coupled with his size makes a very effective tool for overcoming what he percieves as an obstacle.

I Think that to ignore these words entirely, is both limiting and pretentious. Much of classical literature was written in a different time and a good many of the terms deemed foul language were coined in recent times as a result of society's changing perceptions of right and wrong. Creative use of language to talk above someone's head or to insult someone is hardly a good use of language. The use of language, written or spoken, is intended to facilitate communication.

Answer 2

I have an extensive vocabulary, and I swear all the time. I know people with PhDs who use a lot of foul language. I don't think there's any correlation between intelligence and amount of profanity used.

Answer 3

There are FAR more effective way to express yourself without any foul languages. I want to say it shows lack of education, but it isn't so. There are many PhDs and MBAs I know who routinely speak this way.

But at minimum, it makes those people look less articulate, less expressive, and more out of control. Use of foul language shows they are angry, and nothing else. It says nothing about what they are angry about, how it can be addressed, or show any other details. Very useless words, if you really think about it.

Answer 4

Speaking those untasteful words would be showing very immature behaviour. I think the top reason why people curse is because they want to feel accepted within their circle of friends, who most probably have no better taste in vocabulary than they do. And if one has judgement that bad as to want to be friends with such people and who don't think twice about what it really takes to be accepted...that person is just plain immatured and unsure of himself. So he's not dumb, he just needs to grow up.

Answer 5

There is a proper time and place for all words including swear words. I would agree that people who rely on these words as a regular part of speech do come off as under educated and lower class. But I don't think that you can make a blanket statement regarding all usage. Having a mastery of a language means using all words in proper context, inlcuding swear words.

Answer 6

I think cussing is a sign of a lack of imagination. There are so many ways to express your feelings, that it is somewhat upsetting to me that so many people use such common words to express themselves. I am actually quite amused when someone uses foul language to make themselves "stand out" even though that is the same thing everyone else does.

Answer 7

As a rule, I try not to use foul language. But every once in awhile, no other word fits quite as well in the situation as a big old dirty word.

Answer 8

The way my sister once put it...

"Foul words should be used like seaoning; use some to spice up the meal, but too much can ruin it."

Answer 9

I've known some very intelligent people with very good vocabularies and they curse.

I think it gets to be a habit ( a bad one) and so they don't try to change.

I personally don't like to hear people cursing....and I don't

Answer 10

the only situations I cuss is while i'm very indignant. yet different than that, i do no longer do it to be "cool" in assessment to the different little morons at my college who think of it makes you complicated and all around cool! it is so stressful!