I like an occasional “damn” or “hell” to give punch to a statement, but I try to use them infrequently enough that they have punch when I do. (It would actually make more sense to me if “heaven” were a swear word than “hell.”)

But “cr*p” and “sh*t” both I’m too disgusted by to use; I have a personal problem with imagining my possessions or projects as excrement. I’m prudish that way; most of the time I’d rather not be thinking about excrement.

In the past sometimes I’ve regularly relied on “zut” or “zut alors” as my standard expression of disappointment. I’m thinking maybe I should switch to “blast”–it has a nice ring to it.

I do have a couple comments to make though.

My girlfriend doesn’t believe that any word should be classified as a “swear word.” That is an interesting point of view which I have admired in the past in adults (myself being 18 now), due to the fact that it seems they were much more openminded and I think more mature. It bothers me a little when she swears in Portuguese because I understand and she does it so much with her friends, but I’m growing to accept it. She humoured me for over a year but after a recent argument she’s decided to start swearing in English. Since I’m one of the only people she speaks English with hopefully my example will rub off on her.

I made an observation last year regarding the intensity of words’ meanings varying by region. Where I’m from in Eastern Canada I use the word “hell” quite freely and frankly don’t see what’s wrong with that, but “pissed” (as in “pissed off”) seems to be more taboo. I spent some time in Russia with some members from Utah and Arizona and learned that it was the opposite for them and had complaints behind my back of my use of the word “hell.” Interesting. I haven’t spent enough time back home yet to know whether or not I’ll offend anybody as I think I’ve become more comfortable using “pissed.”

I personally am desensitized from all swearing, I believe. I have even begun to show my Dad stand-up comedy sets without even realizing the profanity contained therein until after starting them. I can watch a movie and the next day not be able to recall what level of profanity was used. Living in the place that I have with so few members increases exposure to such words.

I went through a brief phase where I said “shit” and I may have typed the f word a few times on rap forums around the age of 13 or 14. But since stopped that. It seems my 14 brother has fallen into the same thing, I just hope that it was just a phase for him as it was for me. The worst thing is that I heard him slip a couple profanities out with me when I was back for Christmas and he apologized for them, but know that he must use them freely with non-member friends. Oh well, at least I’m a good example to him.

This comment is quite random but it’s just coming out as it comes into my mind. If you haven’t stopped reading I have a couple more thoughts.

I commonly use words such as: frig, frik, freak, flip, fish, and crap to express myself. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a complaint about them. Just thought I’d throw ‘em up here for some of you oldies who might not be as exposed to young people.

I really don’t understand why, of all the words censored on television in the US and Canada, “bitch” is allowed. I assume it’s got something to do with a national dog association or something. But that it one of those words I don’t say except in extreme circumstances. I think it’s a little disturbing personally that that’s acceptable and could appear on any channel at anytime. Oh well, I think TV is generally a waste of time and have commited to not turning it on for the next month until I head back to Canada.

Sorry if I’ve bored anybody.

And what does it really mean to take the Lord’s name in vain. In wikipedia someone has stated it means “This commandment is to never take the name of God in a vain, pointless or insincere oath.” Is saying “My God!” an oath? I’ve heard others state that it means that once we have taken upon us his name (baptism, becoming saved, etc.) that if we don’t live up to his expectations then we have taken his name in vain. Traditionally it has meant not to use the name of God in an irreverent or disrespectful manner.

I guess that it doesn’t bother me so much to hear the word god, like it does when someone uses Jesus Christ as an explicative. Is that because the usage has become so common? Maybe. Who knows?

With regards to other swear words, unless language is used to incite hate and bigotry then I’m not too bothered by it. But in my opinion, racial slurs are always worse that f–k.

I am sensitive to words being used forcefully, whether it’s fetch, dang, or sugar (my grandmother’s favorite) or there FCC taboo counterparts. For me it’s not the words, but the thought behind those words that is profane.

For musement is right. The only time I ever heard my mother use the F word was in a joke about Mikey Mouse. It wouldn’t have worked with any other word.

The F word can most certainly be used as a pronoun. I bet if I presented the problem to some of my friends they could come up with proper usage as both a conjunction and preposition.

I think you are probably correct to observe that there might be something a little juvenile and rebellious about the use of profanity. I amused myself all through high school by referring to my French teacher (when she wasn’t within earshot) as Mydamn teacher.

Nah. You should have changed your name to Helena Handbasket.

I don’t know if I’ve become ridiculously oversensitive, but these days I have to admit that I find it a bit jarring when I hear people around me doing it. Maybe it’s because I associate it with really angry people, and situations involving really angry people usually stress me out. Or maybe it’s just because most of the people I hang out with don’t swear much, so I notice it more when it happens.