Swear Words

Bigun · Post by **Bigun** » Tue May 24, 2005 3:21 pm

I was sitting at a resturaunt, waiting on my food.. when I got to thinking: Why is it, that adults, think that by sheltering kids from swear-words, that they will never know what they are or use them. They have ears, they listen, they *will* figure it out.

It made me wonder if it would be better that I tell my kids what words are swear words and that I don't want them to repeat them, or shelter them in hopes that they will never know what those words are.... or even better yet, encourage swear usage at home.

It's ludicrus, why are some words even taboo. It's like some big conspiracy that everyone knows about. It's dumb really.

I don't see how: "fuck", "shit", "piss" Should be any different from... like "house", or "car", or any other explicative like "green". Maybe I'm rambling.

Anyone else's thoughts on this, especially those with children?

Hardcoregirl · Post by **Hardcoregirl** » Tue May 24, 2005 3:52 pm

I curse (or cuss if you are from the south) like the proverbial sailor around my son but he knows better than to do it himself.

I had a friend who thought since she used the words, her son should be allowed to and it came off totally white trash that her little boy was saying "fucking" this and that all the time. It does a child no service to allow them to use poor language. I think its better to teach them to learn when it is appropriate and when it is not and that they can exercise that knowledge when they are old enough to face the consequences and have it not be reflective of the parent...

I don't think the words should be given any power, but until the older generations die off, it does reflect poorly on a person to use bad language and only the user will suffer.

My mom let me curse as a kid, but always warned me I shouldn't because I'd slip up...so one day I called my cousin a motherfucker in front of my proper catholic grandmother and she almost had a heart attack.

The Stormstress · Post by **The Stormstress** » Tue May 24, 2005 4:18 pm

(No kidz, but plenty o' opinionz) I think that once a kid iz old enuff 2 b taught the appropri8 time & place 4 such wordz, it can b ok 2 let 'em cuss. I don't find n-e word 2 b "bad", but certainly, there iz a time & place 4 such thingz ...

RavenLunatic · Post by **RavenLunatic** » Tue May 24, 2005 4:34 pm

I say curse words, but if they slip in front of my children I apologize for saying a cuss word & tell them they shouldn't say them, it sounds bad & mommy is bad for saying them where they can hear. Not saying the word itself is bad, but it's not very good, for me in my opinion, to go around using them in front of my kids or anyone else's. (They are 4, 5 & 11)
When they get old enough to understand what certain words mean or what context to use them in, then they can make their own decision whether to use them or not; then they can be responsible for the consequences, because it is very important to know when & where to say them! I mean, they just can't go around cussing out their teacher at school or in the middle of store or restaurant, that wouldn't reflect very well on me being the parent, but if they are at home & the word "shit" slips out of their mouth I'm not going to smack them for saying it, especially when I do! Plus, they need to learn to respect the fact that not everyone uses them or wants to hear them. I have heard kids in the store that cuss & it makes me want to mash their mouths & I'm wondering if they even know what their saying or if their parents know they are talking that way!
I hope I don't encourage them to say curse words, by doing it myself or by allowing them to watch certain movies, but if they do I hope their responsible enough not to go around doing it because they think it makes them look cool!

vicious_blood · Post by **vicious_blood** » Tue May 24, 2005 4:50 pm

Bigun wrote:It's ludicrus, why are some words even taboo. It's like some big conspiracy that everyone knows about. It's dumb really.

I don't see how: "fuck", "shit", "piss" Should be any different from... like "house", or "car", or any other explicative like "green". Maybe I'm rambling.

I know what you mean. It's like, who came up with the idea of bad words" anyways? And who decided what was a bad word and what was a good word?

I don't have a problem with cursing but I try to refrain from saying it in front of my neices and such. Basically because they learn from example, and they really don't know what those words mean yet. I don't know if people should let their kids do it, but I think by sheltering them from it will only make them want to say it more.

When I was like 8, I called my dad a bastard. I heard it on Little House On The Prairie. I will never forget the look on his face...or the taste of soap.

4X541N7 · Post by **4X541N7** » Tue May 24, 2005 5:12 pm

My $0.02....

I don't have kids...I have quite a few neices & nephews though...& have alot of friends that have young children...So, I've garnered alot of hypothesis on raising a child...

The first, & most important...Talk to them like adults...Most small children strive to immitate, & therefore feel like, adults...Hence, why the "Big Boys/Girls Don't" strategy works ( & is abused)...For this topic...I would sit my child down, the first time that I knew that they had used a swear word...& explain to them, that some people find those words 'wrong'...& that they shouldn't say them in public..Since, I myself swear to no end, I would let them know that I don't find it offensive...& that it's OK to say it around me...As long as no one else heard it...But, If they said it in public...They would be going back on this promise...And therefore, would have to be punished...I would explain the places that is 100% off limits...Even for me...& that even I have to stick to these rules...& so do they...I would explain that I would get in trouble, if I where to use them at, oh, say...School...& let them know that they would to...& Tell them how I would have been treat, & punished, if I where to use swear words when I was there age...

In short, explain the 'adult' way to use them...And when it is, & is not, appropriate...In this way...They are not simply following my example...But feeling more 'adult', when they use them appropriatly, & when they don't...Also, when they use them in the wrong situations, & are punished for it...They feel like they where not being 'adult'...& will strive to use them more, & more appropriately...Until they have a full understanding of it...I also would explain, to some detail, what each word meant...But that they where vulgar ways of saying them...Show the difference of an OK word...& a swear word...& try to explain why it's not OK...

I'm sure that some of you have some criticing of this...I would actually like to hear what some of you parents have to say about this...How well do you think it would work?...Especially, on an everyday situation...

RavenLunatic · Post by **RavenLunatic** » Tue May 24, 2005 8:22 pm

4X541N7 wrote:My $0.02....

I don't have kids...I have quite a few neices & nephews though...& have alot of friends that have young children...So, I've garnered alot of hypothesis on raising a child...

The first, & most important...Talk to them like adults...Most small children strive to immitate, & therefore feel like, adults...Hence, why the "Big Boys/Girls Don't" strategy works ( & is abused)...For this topic...I would sit my child down, the first time that I knew that they had used a swear word...& explain to them, that some people find those words 'wrong'...& that they shouldn't say them in public..Since, I myself swear to no end, I would let them know that I don't find it offensive...& that it's OK to say it around me...As long as no one else heard it...But, If they said it in public...They would be going back on this promise...And therefore, would have to be punished...I would explain the places that is 100% off limits...Even for me...& that even I have to stick to these rules...& so do they...I would explain that I would get in trouble, if I where to use them at, oh, say...School...& let them know that they would to...& Tell them how I would have been treat, & punished, if I where to use swear words when I was there age...

In short, explain the 'adult' way to use them...And when it is, & is not, appropriate...In this way...They are not simply following my example...But feeling more 'adult', when they use them appropriatly, & when they don't...Also, when they use them in the wrong situations, & are punished for it...They feel like they where not being 'adult'...& will strive to use them more, & more appropriately...Until they have a full understanding of it...I also would explain, to some detail, what each word meant...But that they where vulgar ways of saying them...Show the difference of an OK word...& a swear word...& try to explain why it's not OK...

I'm sure that some of you have some criticing of this...I would actually like to hear what some of you parents have to say about this...How well do you think it would work?...Especially, on an everyday situation...

I agree. The first time they use certain words or come to me & ask what something means, it should be explained to them. Or else they are just going to go find out from someone else. So, therefore, I would much rather be the one to tell them & in a way I know they will understand.

A good example, when I heard the word fuck, I was 8. My parents did not use this sort of language in front of me, so I had no idea what it meant. Then a boy in my class told me it was when mommy & daddy were in the bed fighting. So, thinking this was the correct definition, I went around saying fuck. Until my mother heard me & before I could explain to her what I thought it meant, she wore my ass out & I had no idea what I did wrong! Usage of such language was strictly forbidden in my Southern Baptist household! :roll:

It was then I swore that I would not do that to my child. First, I would ask them if they knew what the word meant, then I would be the one to tell them & also explain to them why he/she shouldn't say it... (in certain company, that is).

Another funny thing, when we saw a movie with a lot of cursing or just a pair of tits, my mom would immediately stop the movie or fastforward it! You should have seen her face the first time I popped in A Clockwork Orange! :twisted:

iblis · Post by **iblis** » Tue May 24, 2005 9:20 pm

Well.. I honestly think that just teaching a kid to swear could stimulate a real lack of creativity. I mean, really, all of the "bad" words these days have lost their pizazz. They're all used up. Nobody who has a bit of sense could be truly insulted by those silly little four letter words.

I think that if you're going to teach someone, child or adult, to slander effectively, they should first learn the wonder of properly used adverbs, adjectives, and knife-throwing. The former two because a good insult, be it to the creator of all life, or the pile of poo you just stepped in, should be made with sufficient intelligence to go over the heads of 800 pound gorillas, and wit enough to thunk the swine behind them. The latter, just in case the aforementioned gorillas understand what you just said about their religion, ancestors, relatives, and/or next of kin.

That said, I'm lazy, and you're all cunts.

pryjmaty · Post by **pryjmaty** » Tue May 24, 2005 11:31 pm

i have 3 children...as most know. Their ages are: 16, 14 & 12. i do not censure my language around them.....anyone that knows me knows that i can cuss the wallpaper off the wall. However, i have taught my midgets that certain words are 'adult' words......just like alcohol and cigarettes are adult things. They do not get in trouble if they 'accidentally' cuss around the house, but they do know that the words are not appropriate words for children. While they are teens, in my mind, they are still children to an extent.....not a child; not an adult. i honestly do not have a problem with my midgets cussing so long as it's not at school or somewhere that's gonna get them in 'trouble'. my biggest issue is their sperm donor. i discourage them from using 'adult words' because they might let them slip around their uber religious father.

Bottom line.....i cannot punish my midgets for cussing because i cuss worse than a sailor....they see it on TV, in movies, hear it at school.....i simply try to discourage certain words for now.

Balance · Post by **Balance** » Wed May 25, 2005 6:52 am

a 'swear word' is offensive because what it refers to. Shit refers to feces, for example. they're 'offensive' because of what images are brought to mind.
Therefor these words are different in nature due also to their connotations.

Although, the combination of syllables in itself cannot 'be a sin' . 2 people unfamiliar w/ anothers foreign language could'nt really be offeneded when presented with cursing if they don't even understand the language. (again-not the word in itself, but rather what it refers to)

But the use of swear words does refelct a lack of creativity, intelligence and ability to express one's self.

It also reflects a lack of social graces.
You know it's wrong to curse. If you think otherwise, would you casually throw around "THE N WORD" about mixed company in public or at work?

I tend to doubt it.

(again- what the word refers to. Something nasty in people they'd rather grow out of.)

Finally, it bothers me to think that profanity equals "adult " words.
they're jeuvinelle. It was a thrill to curse in 5th and 6th grade.
(if now they 'lack pizzazz' then i would think you've grown up)
If you have children- hold youself to a higher standard instead of acting like them. Because you can be sure they will act like you when you're not looking.

cee you next tuesday.

karmakaze · Post by **karmakaze** » Wed May 25, 2005 10:08 am

Balance wrote:cee you next tuesday.

we know your a cunt. but thanks for being open and honest about it.

Balance · Post by **Balance** » Wed May 25, 2005 11:23 am

DOH!!!

The Stormstress · Post by **The Stormstress** » Wed May 25, 2005 12:59 pm

Balance wrote:...
You know it's wrong to curse. If you think otherwise, would you casually throw around "THE N WORD" about mixed company in public or at work? ...

No, I don't believ that it'z wrong 2 curs/cuss ...

& I never considered that 2 b a cuss/curs word ... It'z b'cum a racial slur that can cauz harm 2 otherz & quite possibly the person saying it, az well. I don't generally say such thingz, becauz I think that it'z wrong 2 b prejudiced against sum1 4 simply being another race, age, or sexuality ... not b'cuz I think that the word itself iz "bad".

RavenLunatic · Post by **RavenLunatic** » Wed May 25, 2005 1:35 pm

iblis wrote:Well.. I honestly think that just teaching a kid to swear could stimulate a real lack of creativity.

Noone said anything about teaching their child to swear, that's just ignorant! If they hear certain words or say them, however, then it is, in my opinion, important for them to know what they mean!

balance wrote:If you have children- hold youself to a higher standard instead of acting like them. Because you can be sure they will act like you when you're not looking.

How is it that we are acting like our children? We are trying our best to teach them not to act like OTHER children whose parents don't give a shit! I believe we all know what methods are best when it comes to rearing our children & do not deserve to be judged by those who do not have them! If I had thought I couldn't be a good enough parent, I wouldn't have had them.

Post by **Arkady** » Wed May 25, 2005 2:07 pm

RavenLunatic wrote:I believe we're all adult enough to know right from wrong...

Personally, I think the jury is still out on that.

IMO, it's more important that you teach your children to be respectful of others and their feelings as well as to be observant of how their actions affect the people around them. If you can achieve that, it won't matter how expanded their vocabulary is.

RavenLunatic · Post by **RavenLunatic** » Wed May 25, 2005 2:42 pm

Arkady wrote:
RavenLunatic wrote:I believe we're all adult enough to know right from wrong...

Personally, I think the jury is still out on that.

Well, that's true... (so, I felt the need to edit it.) Who's to say there's a right or wrong way when it comes to raising kids? They don't come with manuals, unfortunately! :roll:

4X541N7 · Post by **4X541N7** » Wed May 25, 2005 4:24 pm

Honestly...I don't have kids...But I still think I would be a better parent that oh, say...60% of the people that do...Now, does that mean that I am in the position to have children...Hell no...But, I do have a good head on my shoulders, love kids, & gosh-darnit...People like me...

"I REVOKE YOUR D.N.A."-Elmo...

Mercurygriffin · Post by **Mercurygriffin** » Wed May 25, 2005 4:33 pm

As a public service I post this:

http://www.erenkrantz.com/Humor/SevenDirtyWords.shtml

Your welcome :twisted:

pryjmaty · Post by **pryjmaty** » Wed May 25, 2005 5:30 pm

So....what is the difference between shit, poop, ka-ka, excrement? What is the difference between fuck, sex, gettin' it on, intimate relations? What is the difference between damn, darn, dagnabbit? What is the difference between hell, hades, lake of fire? Not a damn thing!!!! Why is it 'acceptable' to say darn but not damn? freaking or frikken but not fucking? heck but not hell? shoot but not shit? It's all bullka-ka!!!!

karmakaze · Post by **karmakaze** » Wed May 25, 2005 6:05 pm

pryjmaty wrote: It's all bullka-ka!!!!

no. its all bukkake.

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