Bad Words

Some thoughts on words you should not use.


"The problem with swearing is that it is more voice than language, more animal than human. Swear words are not chosen for the meaning they convey, but rather for their impact."

Why I Don’t Swear: An Argument for Decent Language

http://therelativeabsolute.wordpress.com/2009/07/02/why-i-dont-swear-an-argument-for-decent-language/




"At the time [1972], the words were considered highly inappropriate and unsuitable for broadcast on the public airwaves in the United States, whether radio or television."

Seven dirty words
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_dirty_words


I would have agreed then, in 1972, and I have not changed my opinion since. When I see such words in print these days I'm never sure if they are from a child trying to be an adult or an adult pretending to be a child.

It seems to be true that teachers have allowed standards to decline, but their job is difficult with an unrelenting mass media constantly doing its best to shock its audience, more than its been shocked before. Young people unfortunately often have only a bad example to follow and have no experience of how it once was.



See also the "Swearing" section in:
http://www.toytowngermany.com/wiki/Forum_topic_titles
[Perhaps Lang-8 should have a page like this.]


Opinions on "colorful language" are expressed obliquely in this news item.

CBS cameras catch colorful language during Colts game
September 13, 2010

http://www.ibj.com/the-score/2010/09/13/cbs-cameras-catch-colorful-language-during-colts-game/PARAMS/post/22237