+281 Curse words have no inherent power. For example, if you do screw up and your friend calls you a "fuckin' idiot", it's not offensive because he was smiling as he said it and you know he was joking, even though he used one of the most censored words in the English language. It's how you say words that make them offensive, not the words themselves, amirite?

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Though according to Myth Busters, swearing helps pain hurt less, even compared to saying other words (like "fish") in the same manner. But I agree with you regardless. It's like how dumb girls say, "Sup bitch?" It's not offensive.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

That's only because we're used to those words being cathartic, not the word itself. I would imagine if you did that same experiment with someone who knew nothing of the English language, saying 'fuck' or 'shit' would do the same as any nonsense word.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Lets get Myth Busters to do that! It would be interesting, I think. Because the words hold no meaning, they'd probably be useless. But then when they swear in their own language, it would probably work.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Try it yourself, say 'humbug' the next time you stub your toe. It was a lot more offensive of a word back in the day but now we see it as neutral and kind of funny.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Humbug?! How dare you! I generally don't say anything when I stub my toe, I just grit my teeth.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Which, incidentally, also helps you deal with pain. My gravest apologies dear madam, I did not mean to cause offense. /bow

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Then I will continue to grit my teeth! It makes me look bad ass to stub my toe but continue on as if impervious to pain. Ah all is well, all is well.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Indeed, context is an important part of language.

by Anonymous 12 years ago