How did the swear words begin to be known as curse words?

Answer 1

I assume you're referring to "obscene" or "four-letter words". But let's start before that.

A "curse" is a solemn, strong wish of dire consequences of judgment on someone. It MAY be thought of as almost magical, like a "spell" in SOME cultures, but it does not HAVE to be. It has a proper use, something like pronouncing sentence on someone who has done a great wrong.

To "swear" means to "take on OATH", that is a solemn affirmation (that one is telling the truth about a matter) or promise (to do something). The oath usually implies, or might even say, that the speaker should be severely JUDGED if they are lying or fail to do as they promise. The person usually calls on some authority, in whose name they swear the oath to carry out that judgment. If the judgment is specifically stated it often takes the form of . .. a CURSE.

In other words, to "swear" was to utter a "conditional curse on oneself" if the speaker is lying of breaks his solemn word.

The use of formal oaths is mainly in 'court' settings, where the truth of one's testimony is important, or in 'contracts' (to help assure that what is promised is delivered).
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How do we get from there to four-letter words? Well, remember the role that an authority (esp a deity) plays in the oath. The NAME of the deity is used, and/or some sacred place or object associated with that deity is referred to or touched as part of the "oath ceremony". The idea is that, if the oath is a LIE, this brings dishonor on the deity (through his name or the sacred object..), which is why he NEEDS to judge the person (carry out the curse) to restore his honor.

Now to treat something considered sacred as cheap or common (as is done in a lightly spoken oath that is broken) is to "profane" it. A related word is "vulgar" (meaning "common" as opposed to "holy, sacred").

So "profanity", "vulgarity" and lightly spoken oaths ("swearing" or "cursing"... though cursing may also refer to lightly uttering a curse against someone else) all do the same thing -- dishonor someone or something sacred.

Here's the connection -- sexuality is considered something very special (NOT itself "dirty"), and certain bodily functions are thought of as "common". So you don't lightly speak of these things in public. To do so is to use "vulgar" or "profane" language.

I hope from this you can see the connection with "swear words" or "curse words" (which would originally have been things like "damn" or the use of God's name "in vain").

Answer 2

None of the swear words started out as swear words. Curses, strictly speaking, were originally putting a spell on someone - being 'cursed'. Swearing was taking an oath or making a solemn promise. The use of these words has gradually come to mean almost the same thing. What we use as swear words are either 'rude' words or blasphemy (like using the name of Jesus, for instance).

Answer 3

we don;t call them curse words in Oz - must be a US thing