I don't know for a fact, but I suspect that people have been cussing almost since they invented language. However, societal expectations have been up and down over the centuries. To those of us watching television and movies today, it might seem as if things have never been so bad, but there have been times and places when cussing was far more common than today, just as there have been times and places when it was not so accepted. I haven't looked it up, but I suspect that "cussing" is a derivative of "cursing," and the practice has been looked down upon largely due to biblical prohibitions on cursing and on taking the Lord's name in vain. Cursing, of course, has meanings other than that of vulgar language. I cannot say that I do not cuss, although I'd like to reach a point in my life where I could stop the practice altogether, if only because it offends other people. Still, when I hit my finger with a hammer, or when my chainsaw blade gets jammed in a tree, the words that come out of my mouth are often not ones that I am proud of. I do a little better (maybe a lot better) when it comes to taking the Lord's name in vain, but I can't say that I have entirely been able to take control of that one either, although I've come much closer. That, I think, is the far more important one to take control of because that is an offense, not only to the people around you, but to God. And I don't think the Bible is talking about using the F-word when it warns us not to take the Lord's name in vain. Please excuse me for bringing religion in a discussion about language, but I do believe that the origins of our disdain for some of these words is rooted in religion. Not entirely, however, for people will tend to look down upon those who use vulgar language simply because it's vulgar, and because it might suggest that the person who uses these words often doesn't have any other ones.
By the way, there is already a discussion on being offended, and cussing and cursing are perfectly on-topic in that thread. By all means, please carry on the discussion there. This one is more about why it is that we are offended by certain words or phrases, or why we might not be, and how that might change from generation to generation. I believe there were times, within the history of the United States, when cussing was perhaps even more common, but among the common people, even while the upper class or better educated wouldn't allow these words to pass by their lips. Perhaps that's a large part of why most of us recognize the need to regulate the words that we use; because some words make us appear common. But that wouldn't be a religious issue. I think the offense that is taken over certain words or phrases can be divided into two separate issues: religion and class. But we mingle and confuse the two. I can't think of a religious reason to be offended by the use of the s-word for defecation, yet that word is generally included among the cuss words that Christians refrain from. That could be the stumbling block clause of course. But it's really more of a class thing. Saying, "I've got to take a s...," rather than "I need to use the restroom" isn't really an offense to God. Clearly, it doesn't involve taking the Lord's name in vain. However, one phrase suggests a lower class, while the other doesn't. There is also the fact that it's no one's business what I plan on doing there. It could be a matter of too much information. Perhaps a part of the problem is that people who are not in the lower class are commonly using some of these words, although I hear them on television and in the movies far more often than I do among people in real life. What if I am in the lower class? Would it then be pretentious of me to say "restroom" when resting is not at all what I am thinking about doing? How did it come to be called a restroom anyhow?
When one curses at home...and I do..I am human. What becomes a problem is repeadley using the same word over and over and it is not necessary. If your describing a wreck on the freeway to some one- you might describe the offender as a son of a bitch...ok I get that. But to use say the F word over and over to describe the tastyness of a donut. ... That is offensive. Cursing in public or to another - is to cause shock and awareness of whatever the issue is.The shock words lose that ability when over used by the same person or group of people. Cursing at the right time...is like telling a joke....you have to deliver the punch line...just right
I have to admit, as well Ken, that there are times that I've said the F word over doing something stupid. If my wife is around when I say it, she will definitely let me know about it. However, I never use the Lord's name in vain. Nope, just don't happen. Another thing, we have some movies that contain the F word and one that contains both the F word and MF word. Actually, we were watching our movie, The Blues Brothers last night, and when the movie started, it stated that the movie was rated R. My wife wondered why, that is until I pointed out a few F words in the movie. We both love John Travolta, but in his movie To Paris With Love, he sure can use the F and MF words too often. BTW, Ken, remember Woodstock, when Country Joe spelled out the F word and had the crowd do the same and say the word?
Well, the only cuss words my wife ever uses is "shi*" or "a**hole" towards another driver. However, obviously, never with the vehicle windows open. Have never heard her say any other word. Her oldest sister doesn't cuss at all, not one word. And, my 1/2 brother and his wife don't either.
I remember, years ago, a lady I knew, who pretty much used the F word a lot, told me she did it because she hated her deceased husband that much. She said "the (F word) smoked a lot and killed himself (cancer) and I'll never forgive him for that."
It doesn't offend me at all. I personally don't swear too much but have when frustrated. I'm not religious so obviously those words don't offend me. Although I couldn't believe that my pain management Dr. said "Jesus Christ" 3 times on my first visit with him. Guess I make a lousy patient. Wish I could have recorded him. My ex was religious and if I ever said "Jesus Christ" he would correct me with "Cheese and Rice". Which annoyed the heck out of me.
Not even! As far as I’m concerned. We were in the restaurant for a nice lunch, not to hear some young girl talk like she didn’t care who was in the restaurant. One thing for sure, the lady I was with was built (physically) not to take crap from young very skinny girl. People get away with this stuff, because they are allowed to. That is most definitely wrong!! In my book.
Now that I think about it though, my dr is Asian and might not be a Christian or even religious so saying that might have been just a name to him.
The MF word has never caught on over here ..which is amazing really given how many times it's said in American movies... but I doubt you'll ever hear it in a British movie.... I'm very happy it hasn't...simply because I'd have to feel offended at it lol...
MF is one that I never use, just never have...no reason. Plain old F is good enough for me. Plus I usually only say it to myself, so nobody even hears it. I'm not offended by me.
Instead of the F word I use another F word ''feck'' on the odd occasion I swear...most people are not offended by that...except if you're in Ireland where feck is equivalent of the other F word.... I'm a celt ( half Scottish and half Irish) I don't know where I got it from but whenever someone else might say 's**t'' ..I say sugar...but mostly I use... 'Biscuits (instead of the 'B" word ...lol...... I have no idea where I got that from, but for example If I jam my hand in the door I'll say Feck.....or if it's something less painful like dropping something on the floor, I'll say 'Biscuits' or Sugar ... through gritted teeth .. That said I've never heard anyone swear as good (or bad) as the Irish and Scots...they could win Olympic Golds for it