Why are cuss words what they are?

Question

Who deemed these words cuss-worthy? Why do we take offense to them? Words are just words with meanings, but why are these meanings to offensive? Was there ever a time where there were no cuss words?

Answer 1

I assume you're referring to "four-letter words", esp. those considered "vulgar", "profane" or "impolite" and how they came to be socially unacceptable. The term you chose --"cuss [that is 'curse'] words"-- actually helps to explain that, as I'll try to explain below

Before I make you wade through all this, I'll anticipate my final point. The issue is not so much of people choosing to TAKE offense. It is that people generally choose to USE those specific words precisely because they KNOW how the words are understood. That is, the speaker means to GIVE offense.

"Taboo words"

Sociologists sometimes use the expression "taboo words" to express the idea that this is language that one is not allowed to use, or only to use within carefully circumscribed circumstances. Sometimes it includes the idea that the language is "dangerous". This may be because speaking it wrongly or carelessly is thought to cause something bad to happen, esp. to stir up supernatural forces to do something. Or it may simply be that there will be strong SOCIAL consequences of misusing the language. Or both.

At any rate, this special "strong language" may be of various sorts and sources, but it may 'fall together' at times. That's a bit of what has happened with "swear words" "curse words" and "profanity" in English.

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"Powerful"/Legal Language

One good starting place is to note two groups of words/types of language, that may be closely related:
a) "swear words" --used to take an oath -- such as "[I swear] in God's name"
b) "curse words" -- used IN a curse, to call down judgment on one's self --as when TAKING an oath --or on others.

In some cultures there a sense that these words are almost magical, that they have power in and of themselves to cause things to happen. Others believe that God, or other divine powers, listen and respond. But in many cases it may be primarily a SOCIAL-LEGAL thing. That is, when one speaks these words in public,esp. in a formally recognized way, it is considered a binding act, that is a legally-binding act, in that society. For other examples of words that are recognized as doing something ;egally binding, consider the use in certain formal settings of -- "I do". "I now pronounce you man and wife", "We find the defendant (not) guilty", "On my honor... "

So we start with one set of words that is sacred and POSITIVE (e.g. God's name), and another that is very negative (describing the curse). . . all of which are used to make a very STRONG statement (declaration or promise). And note that many of these are solemn and "sacred" terms that are NOT considered wrong to use in themselves, but which it is considered very wrong to MIS-use, including by using the language LIGHTLY or disrespectfully.

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"Four-letter words" (e.g., sexually related)

These features of the language help explain how 'four-letter words' came to be included and called 'swear words', though this is, strictly speaking, inaccurate, since they are NOT used to swear an oath. Note that this sort of language is often called VULGARITY or PROFANITY.

The idea is something like this. To profane is to misuse something considered sacred or special... dishonoring something that is supposed to be honored. "Profanity" refers to language that --at least in certain contexts-- dishonors, treat lightly or as "profane" --that is common or 'vulgar'-- things that are supposed to be honored as sacred.

Note that THIS language is not necessarily considered wrong in ALL contexts (though the view of that depends on the society or social group one belongs to). But to use "profane" language when talking about something that is supposed to be honored is very much frowned on.

In more recent times, certain 'common' ways of speaking about 'private' bodily functions -- mainly 'elimination of waste' [defecation, urination] and sexual acts -- have fallen into this category of "profanity". . . and so loosely called "swear words" or "curse words". They are considered at best 'impolite' ways of speaking.

Note that this does NOT mean the thing spoken about necessarily considered a negative thing in itself. In fact, the idea of 'profanity' is simply that it is to spoken of with care and RESPECT, because it is private and/or it is considered very GOOD and worthy of respect. That, in fact, is the case for words related to sexual acts. In short, four-letter words concerning sex are NOT necessarily considered 'dirty', 'vulgar', 'swear words', etc. because the acts themselves are thought of in this way. It may be precisely the opposite -- that these are considered as things that are as GOOD in their proper place, and SPECIAL, and so to be spoken of with care and respect. Thus the 'swear words' themselves are the ones that are regarded as expressing a negative or low view of sex.

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"The importance of being earnest" -- what you INTEND matters!!

DO note that one typical use of such language IS precisely to express very strong NEGATIVE emotions or attitudes --anger/outrage, disgust, etc., -- and esp. in a way that is INTENDED to strongly offend or at least to shock or underline how strongly the speaker feels. That is, people do use the language precisely BECAUSE it is considered offensive or "taboo".

Eventually such language may simply be used to express great surprise, or even simply to 'strengthen' or intensify a statement, without necessarily intending to offend.

Now it is true that "profane" or "swearing" IS defined by society. But how is that so unusual? So is the meaning of ALL language, since it's something we use to communicate with others! So to say it's 'just what society thinks' is silly. In fact, people generally choose the words they use precisely BECAUSE the words are understood in a particular way by other people in society... and that includes not just the bare meanings of the words ('denotation') but all the 'overtones' of attitude toward the things mentioned and toward the hearers ('connotation').

Answer 2

a cuss word is just any word deemed inappropriate by your bond group. These are just frond upon and it is believed that you are less mature or refined if you use them. A "curse word" is a word actually used towards another person, these are words that show anger or make threats or defame a person. All the bible refers to is using the lord's name in vain - by which it means silly ways, or ways that are for ill use - such as god damn you - I have no right to ask the lord to damn you, and I am using it in anger to take vengions out - this would be wrong according to the bible - however, since I am an ordained reverend, I do have the power to banish 1 soul to hell.

Answer 3

I have wondered the same thing before...which lead me to ask: How can we know what color we see is the color the object is. They say dogs are color blind. What humans are too? How would we know the difference if everyone sees the same color?
But that is for a different question. The words that one uses is classified by how one uses them. No matter what I say it is the intent of the words that matters. So they are offensive because the person saying them has the intends for them to be offensive.

Answer 4

It also depends on what you mean as a cuss word. In France calling someone a camel is the worst thing anyone could say to you...Waving in another country is actually flipping them off!!!

Answer 5

Technically no. They are offensive because King Henry 3rd said," I say men! DRAT on you all!" And drat back then was a big cuss word. Ever since then back in like the 1500s people have said words that they thought were offensive.

Answer 6

Are you serious? We have "deemed" the cuss words "cuss-worthy." That is why we fricking say them...what what would you do if someone gave you the finger? Stop to philosophize?

Answer 7

Good question... I know why the F word is bad. In the English and French wars, when a bowsman was captured they would chop off his middle finger, which was the finger you used to pluck the bow. And when leaving, they would show their middle fingers as a taunting gesture. They would say they got *expletive* over. Since that was the biggest disrespect to a warrior (not being able to use their weapon anymore) it carried over into everday life.

Answer 8

THOSE WHO DID NOT LIKE THE SOUND OF THOSE WORDS ?

Answer 9

because really dumb, sensitive people (F U yahoo censors) , give em the power they have.

Answer 10

They just are i guess!