Why do some people think swearing is a sign of stupidity?

Question

I just answered a question on swearing and it got me thinking. A lot of people do believe that swearing signals a lack of intelligence or an underdeveloped vocabulary; they can't think of any other word etc etc.

I would argue that a person being able to use a wide variety of cusswords appropriate and effective to a given situation is in fact showing a larger vocabulary than people who refuse to use any such word.

I am an English teacher and as such, am expected to know and use lots of words, and even explain what they mean (and yes, I have lost count of the amount of times I have been asked to define buggery and cunnilingus by spotty teenage boys and girls).

I realise that there are times and places when swearing isn't the right thing to do, but equally, there are times when nothing else will do. So, if you think only stupid people swear, could you please explain why so I can try to understand?

Nossda, if I were to deem you unenlightened, obtuse and generally misinformed as to the main objective of my question, and suggest that you would do better to attend with urgency to your own failing as regards the requirement for punctuation and spacing between words, would that would be a better response than my initial inclination to call you something quite different, though much more entertaining?

It isn’t for want of alternative or additional vocabulary, or a lack of control. Sometimes, a word is utterly irreplaceable. Try the collective noun for a group of teenagers - can they be summed up more efficiently or neatly than by the word 'fuckwittery'?

Oh, balls - twatted up the grammar a bit on that last, didn't I? Oh well, never slag off someone else's if yours isn't perfect!

As an 'educator', it is my place to advise, to inform, to explain, but never to judge.

Education - life, experience and all that. How could I condemn effective use of language?

Answer 1

I never believe anyone who tells me they never swear. it's just that some do more than others. I agree that sometimes it is the only way to work off the frustation of wanting to wring the neck of someone who thoughly deserves it.
However even I become tired of people who only use one swear word usullly F---ing or various versions of it. I feel this does indicate stupidity or lazynes in notbeing able to use a variety of swearwords.

Many people say that they would prefer to have a boss who swears at them because that is all he is going to do, it's the one who does not you have to watch he is the real B-----d

Answer 2

It can be used to emphasize an emotion that someone is feeling, usually swearing is a last minute thing once someone has been pushed to the edge and is nolonger thinking properly. The swear word then tends to slip out to show their true emotion, this is normally down to the fact that that person's inhibitions have gone. It can be a form of frustration when simply nothing else will do. This vocabulary is often used to shock its victim into producing some sort of reaction, if we all used the queens language and perfect english it wouldn't have the same effect. I think it is ok to use as a one off, in everyday language no... there are so many other words found in our vocab we need to use its full potential.

Answer 3

No. Some people swear only when exasperated. But if a person is a constant swearer, as if the expletive is his or her punctuation mark for every sentence or phrase uttered (some even use it as an adverb!), that's a sign of (to put it crudely) lack of breeding. Swearing is more often than a developed habit. When all members of the family swear, most assuredly even the youngest will swear when able to talk. Among peers who talk trash, a new member will eventually adopt the habit... if only to conform. The case you are citing is sometimes true. Some will swear at another when they are at a loss to express themselves in an argument. Or worse, they do the talking with their fists and much more.

Answer 4

Well I think it is because when people swear they sound stupid. I also think it depends on when the vulgar language is being used. I use swear words in my house, but I do not use it in general when I am in public or with my friends who do not swear, because it can be offensive to them. I think people who are out in public and are speaking so others can hear them and are constantly using the f word or other words, then I think it shows lack of not only intelligence but lack of respect. I really can't think of a time when there isn't any other word to use. It may seem better to use the phrase f*cking idiot when you are angry at someone, but there are other words to use in any situation, even though it feels better to use the other "choice words" :)
I am rather confused that you, as an educator would even begin to support such language???? There are really no place for such offensive words to be in use and I certainly wouldn't glorify them as being part of a larger vocabulary.

Answer 5

Often there is an expletive that might serve many situations, such as the word derived from Store High In Transit (an ancient method of conveying manure via ship), but even that is considered vulgar and often unnecessary in polite society.

I try to wean myself of such usage and it isn't easy when I smack a thumb with a hammer instead of the nail. Avoiding cursing and swearing takes a concentrated effort and too many people are unwilling to take upon themselves the worthy effort. Such language isn't relegated to the lower classes of humanity either.

It takes strong will and determination to speak without the use of expletives, but the task is worth every attempt made.

Words mean things and too often they ridicule, deride, and humiliate when it isn't necessary.

James, of the New Testament, had this to say about unbridled language:

"For in many things we offend all. But if any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body."

Answer 6

It is not a matter of being stupid because some people swear, but a lack of control of our vocabulary People who swear are trying to stress a point to win the argument. There are alternative words that can be used to make the same point. It shows a lazy attitude to using our vocabulary. I can express myself in all situations without resorting to swearing, and get my point across.Next time you are tempted to swear, think of an alternative word. It is not difficult, and you may even widen your vocabulary.

Answer 7

Swear words are probably the most charismatic and flexible words in the english language. I mean how ways can you incorporate the F word into a sentence. loads!

I think swearing has to be used in correct situations, I dont think it is offensive, ppl who think that, can F**K right off because I dont give a flying F**K and I wont shut the F**K up cus of you F**k**G wallys that dont like the F**K word. So belt up and leave me alone as im off for a F**K.

see how the creative use of one word or extention of one word can get a message across so effectively.

heh heh

Answer 8

do you know anyone more intelligent than Stephen Fry well he swears and has a great vocabulary.
but no swearing is part of vocabulary and stupid people and people of new wealth want to be posh and eloquent so create rules to follow so they appear as such.
its not the words but the way people use them. a moron could say big long words in a row and still make no sense

Answer 9

It seems that uneducated/lesser educated people seem to pepper their conversation with those types of words more often. I agree there are times when it is just appropriate to the situation, but one must be careful to guage the audience. I never appreciate it when someone feels they can swear freely in front of me. I am an adult and know all those words and use many of them, but it doesn't mean I want to hear them all the time. I think that when someone can find other words to express themselves, they appear more intelligent.

Answer 10

I think it shows a poor vocabulary if swear words are used indiscriminately. I think it also shows a lack of respect for other people.
I do agree that there are times when swearing in context is not entirely unreasonable, but these occasions tend not to occur after every third word.