Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Why do people Cuss?

It is interesting to note that profanity exists in every language. When I began to learn Spanish the first words I learned were the “bad words”. It was funny because I could say them and most people didn’t know what they meant. I did get caught a few times…

Profanity changes over time. When I was growing up my parents would have washed my mouth out for saying ass, or damn or hell, now those are pretty benign words. Shakespeare writings are full of profanity but few recognize it now. Words like sblood (God’s blood) and zounds (God’s wound) cause little ruckus now but in the day they were considered especially outrageous. And, do you know anyone who shops at Gadzooks? That was another reference to the crucifixion of Christ (God’s hooks).

Although I cannot quote book and page, I understand that cursing in public will get you a fine. However, for the most part bad language is more prevalent today than it was in the 50’s and 60’s when I was growing up.

Does that mean it is more accepted? In some circles yes, but for many , myself included, I see the use of bad language as a clear indication that one has limited vocabulary. Maybe it’s the teacher in me but with the vast and rich texture of our language, surely one could find a more appropriate word.

So why do people cuss? There are generally considered two types of profanity: those that refer to deity and those that refer to bodily functions. Both can be quite vile. I think, and this is strictly opinion, that many swear to be accepted by a group; they think it is expected. Others think it makes them feel important (don’t ask me why). For some it is a natural reflex; stub your toe and, “Oh shit!” just pops out. I learned to say “Oh sugar!”…my mother was rather prudish. But I think the reason most people cuss is to make a point, whatever that point is.

So now…is it sacrilegious to use “the lord’s name in vain”? Probably to some, but I tend to believe that most people are not thinking of the lord when they use profanity. I think “taking the lord’s name in vain” is something else altogether…but that’s my opinion.

6 comments:

Nicole said...

Interested said: "When I began to learn Spanish the first words I learned were the “bad words”".

LOL! I took 5 plus years of French and traveled there twice in my teenage years for school. I bought a book that had more colloquial language and learned a lot from the kids I hung out with there.

Interested said: "When I was growing up my parents would have washed my mouth out for saying ass, or damn or hell, now those are pretty benign words."

Same here! I have a theory why cussing is more prevalent today, but it would take a lot of time and space in this blog! =)

Interested said: " I see the use of bad language as a clear indication that one has limited vocabulary"

I totally agree with your limited vocabulary theory. There are plenty of other things to say!

Rick b said...

Interested,
When I asked about swearing before, I was not asking why people swear, I was asking, when people do swear, why do they use the name of Jesus as a swear word, verses never using any other persons name or the name of any religious figure or god.

Examples, People say, Jesus Christ, or God Dammit. They never say, Joseph Smith that hurt, Or Budda, your a stupid idiot. They say, Jesus Christ your stupid.

We never hear any person or religios god ever used in that way, only Jesus. This is not exactly evidence that God exists, but it's got to make people wonder, if this person Jesuis does not exist, why do people use His name as if he does, and these other people that we know exist, their names are never used? Rick b

Interested said...

I tried to find something that would shed light on cursing in other cultures, but I do have to work today so I will pass it for another day. However, having lived in Mexico, I have heard Mexicans use the name of Mary when swearing, much like Jesus and I would bet that in other cultures and religions it is similar. We use what is familiar, whereever we are. As I mentioned, I really don't think people are actually thinking of God or Jesus or any other holy figure when they use profanity. It is habit and not conscience.

Interested said...

There is an interesting article I found on the subject.

http://katadrew.com/2010/taking-the-right-name-in-vain/

Interested said...

Rick I think you are in Minneapolis, right? You might like to check this out.

http://www.meetup.com/Secular-Bible-Study/calendar/12894134/

Rick b said...

I'm in St Paul, So your close, were just across the river from Minneapolis. Rick b