Who is really offended by swear words?

Question

I don't mean words that are aimed at certain groups of people which are clearly offensive.

I just find it hard to imagine people can find words which mean sex, bum, willy or poo personally offensive.

For the benefit of some:

I just find it hard to imagine people would find words such as ****, ****, cock/knob or shite personally offensive.

Answer 1

What do you mean "personally offensive"?

I don't take it personally when I hear someone swearing unless they are swearing at ME.

I understand that people use swear words and sometimes use them myself.

However, because we all know that these words ARE considered socially inappropriate in certain situations, it only makes sense to exercise some self-control.

It does bother me to hear someone dropping the F-word repeatedly and LOUDLY when I am with my children, or I see that there are young children around.

I think that's thoughtless and insensitive.

I also think that excessive use of profanity displays a lack of imagination and a very limited vocabulary.

There are situations where letting a swear word fly is understandable.

I just think those situations are a lot less common than most people seem to believe.

If it's "no big deal," then why not use those other words you already listed above -- sex, bum, willy, or poo? There are a bunch of other alternatives as well.

Answer 2

Swear words are offensive, and really rather pointless on top of it. If you want to sit around and swear in your own home, there's not a lot anyone can do about it. But I find it offensive when people do it loudly in public where other people can hear - especially children. It's very inappropriate. Just because YOU grew up in a home where profanity was used doesn't mean everyone is/did. In addition, it makes you sound moronic. I always wonder how people got through all the mandatory schooling and still have a vocabulary of nothing but four-letter words. Profanity, to me, is an indication of extremely low intelligence. I always feel tempted to give those types of people a thesaurus, to help them expand their extremely limited vocabulary. Lastly, what is the point? Swearing is (supposedly) to shock people - if it's every other word out of your mouth, it's not shocking, it's not rebellious, it's just you being your inarticulate, unintelligent, probably somewhat illiterate self. That's not impressive, that's sad.

Answer 3

I don't find any words "offensive." I think finding words "offensive" is more about feeling what they think they "should" feel, and not something real. Offense is just such a puzzy thing to take -- I mean - it's basically saying that your "sensibilities" have been offended. It makes one look weak and whiny.

Now, words can certainly hurt. Namecalling doesn't hurt me and swear words themselves don't hurt me. What hurts is when someone you care about says something mean, or says they don't like you or something on that order. But, S, P, C, F, C/S, M/F, and Ts are just words.

Answer 4

While I believe we should strive to not be easily offended, I certainly don't like being around people who swear.

Swearing because of an emotional outburst shows a lack of discipline.

Using words commonly thought of as offensive show a lack of courtesy to others.

Making light of concepts or people others find sacred shows a lack of courtesy to others.

Sexual intimacy between husband and wife is personal and private. Treating it lightly or joking about immorality cheapens what should be a joyful experience.

Answer 5

depends on who says them and in what situation. hypothetically, if my son or daughter said this to me (hypothetically! - im just a teen, dont have kids!), i'd definitely be offended, but if one of my friends swore in a casual conversation, i dont think much of it.

again, it depends on the situation - swearing in a temple (or church) or in front of authorities or elders is unacceptable, but with a group of peers is fine.

i do find it really offensive when people swear loudly in public - there are little toddlers and innocent kids out there, for heavens sake, have some respect!

Answer 6

I am offended when I am with my children and I hear people swearing or using offensive language. Especially more if they are adults and have children too.

Answer 7

I don't like the F-word. Some people use it like every other word. It shows a lack of intelligence and a very limited vocabulary.

Answer 8

It depends on the context. I certainly don't want to go into a business and be asked by the employee "What the f*** do you want?" or something like that. I would definitely be offended there!

Answer 9

I'm not. It takes a LOT to offend me, it's nearly impossible to do so. I just roll with it, there's not point getting upset or offended at things that don't really matter.

Answer 10

i think it matters to some people, but not so much to me. i would have a problem if those words were spoken in front of small children, though.