Why do people swear so much when talking?

Question

I have noticed lately that people swear more than ever b4. Can't people speak WITHOUT using "four-letter words"?

"It's a lazy mind that uses profanity to express itself"

Answer 1

There was a recent study on this exact subject done over a four week period in November 2006. It found that in 90% of the cases people swore because they lacked alternate words to use and they believed incorrectly it made them look better in others peoples eyes. Essentially its a poor upbringing.

Answer 2

Good Question!!

I suppose the same evolution of our culture that would allow my son to end a call to his Mom on CHRISTMAS DAY, w you;re a bit#* . Sure did not hear anything remotely as disrespectful EVER come from my mouth!!

After telling him his mother should be shown more respect than any other person in his LIFE, I asked him to call her & apologize. Well she's acting like a ++++.

Profanity is so prevalent anymore in movies, songs, on cable it just comes out as words. No thought is given to being offensive, & besides I have freedom of speech!! I have a right to say whatever I want , is the refrain....it's guaranteed by the Constitution!!

Late edit-Akbar is a good example of lack of vocabulary (that's words), if all else fails hurl an insult w no basis for truth. Or just make it a big joke like a few of the others.

Answer 3

Intelligence has little to do with it. Many brilliant satirists, like Hunter Thompson, used swears and obscenities liberally, yet with great results! On the other hand, I know many people who are quite stupid, yet never swear!

That being said, it really HAS gotten out of hand, esp. when used for no good reason. It's as much of a "filler" in conversation as the words "like", "So I go" and "he's all", etc. People are NOT taught the art of conversation any more, never mind writing, such as in school. The 'net does not help either.

TV, whom I usually hold blameless in the decline of American "civilization", IS responsible in some part, along with popular music and culture, for the proliferation of swearing. It's heard and accepted more now than ever.

Still, if you're REALLY angry, nothing beats a good swear-fest, especially in German! The Scots are pretty impressive too.

Answer 4

I do...but i try to watch what i say around certain people. When im with "the guys" i swear alot. Yet if im around children i do not. If im around women i do not. If im at work i do not. If im around my mom-only if something falls on my foot and i get mad....lol. If i am around someone who i know is religous and takes church seriously then i do not. You are right though, alot of people dont watch or think about what they are saying and its wrong.

Answer 5

Society is a very stupid place full of very stupid people. Stupid people use profanity. Before people were taught that cursing was bad and now we have these druggie(and my drugs i include painkillers and anti-depressants.) parents who swear in every sentence they teaching younger people that it's okay thus creating a forever going increase in profanity's usage.

Answer 6

Habit, ignorance, to impress friends, lack of verbal skills the list goes on.

Answer 7

Plain and simple. For lack of a better word. My mother used to tell me that when people curse, it shows their level of intelligence. If they knew more words to express themselves, they would use them.

Answer 8

They have a very, limited vocabulary. Funny, though, I noticed those who swear so much, are trying to prove to others they are smart.

Quite the opposite, don't you think?

Answer 9

Because they are to ignorant to bother learning appropriate words to express themselves in an educated manner.

Answer 10

people swear a lot because they are mad, someone around is always making them angry also they have a very bad temper.