Curse words are just other words for similar words...they have no negative meaning in themselves. It is just what definitions people hear and superstition.
2007-02-19 06:41:23 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
"Curse words are just other words for similar words...they have no negative meaning in themselves."
You are right in one sense -- NO word has ANY meaning 'in itself'. ALL words are arbitrary sets of sounds. But so what? WITHIN human language they DO have a meaning -- and we count on other people KNOWING those meanings for us to be able to communicate.
After all, why is it you choose to USE these words. .. or any OTHER words?!
Think about it. What makes ANY word "good" or "bad" ? It is all based on the agreed upon meaning of the word in the particular language. But that's exactly what makes human language itself possible!
And so, in general, if someone chooses to use a "bad word" it is BECAUSE they understand that this linguistic symbol has been agreed on as a way to express something offensive. So it usually isn't correct to say "it is offensive because the listener chose to take offense". No, ordinarily, the SPEAKER chose the word --whether in a moment of anger or after some consideration, precisely with the intent of expressing something offensive.
I'm sure you know this, or you would calmly, even joyfully, cuss out a small child or someone you love deeply.
In the same way, "Fire!" is just a set of sounds too -- but if you holler it, willy-nilly, in a crowded theater, it will have an effect for which you are morally, and probably legally, answerable.
The point is that language is a SOCIAL activity -- to work, it depends on people's sharing an understanding of what the symbols will mean.
And so, we don't simply pick an arbitrary word (or 'set of sounds') and claim "well *I* meant something ELSE by it". This would make communication utterly impossible!
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As for "curse" words -- "Cursing" is, first of all, about calling down bad consequences on someone, esp. another person (though when swearing an OATH you wish evil on your-SELF if you are lying or if you break your solemn promise). We now use "curse words" more loosely to refer to language that treats someone as low or contemptible, and that is usually INTENDED to strongly insult or offend others.
So, when you knowingly CHOOSE to use words which, within a specific language system, have been given specific functions --expressing strong anger, evil wishes, insulting, offending, etc. -- you INTEND to express that 'negative meaning'.
2007-02-20 12:16:16 · answer #1 · answered by bruhaha 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spoken or written words are the exclusive privilege of human beings to communicate with one another. The more words you know, the more power you have to communicate meaningfully with those around you and those you care about. Using a curse word or two once in a long while and when the situation really merits it can add dramatic force to your expression but using curse words regularly is just a poor cover-up for not having an adequate vocabulary. I agree that curse words are not in and of themselves negative, but I also know that they are offensive to many people. Why offend others unnecessarily? The ability to choose the exact word or phrase to clearly and unequivocally communicate your meaning is an art that is best learned through practice. Try it and I think you'll like it. It's fun, challenging, and you'll gain the respect and appreciation of others.
2007-02-19 07:01:49 · answer #2 · answered by Meg 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's the connotations that people give to the word and yes it is culturally based. Using certain words more often Will sometimes cause the meaning to change and then become accepted in a society, well, certain societies. Meanings of certain words have derived from places like the bible, and cultural history/tradition/superstitions.
2007-02-19 06:51:53 · answer #3 · answered by Blue Queen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What constitutes profanity is cultural. What was profane in the 50s is tame now. The culture defines its language.
Sometimes it's context. Many words are okay sometimes, but not other times. Cock-a-doodle-doo, for example, is okay, but stop after the first syllable, and you may have a problem.
Apparently, there's a censor on here ... did not know that.
2007-02-19 06:48:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I tell my kids, there are no bad words but some words offend people and it's polite to avoid them. It's all social.
2007-02-19 06:51:56 · answer #5 · answered by Meg W 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it depends on society some words in one place can mean sth else in another place. itt's all contradictions.
2007-02-19 06:55:52 · answer #6 · answered by sassy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋