The Power of Swearing: Has It Lost Its Effect?

1. Fuck - this word has previously been considered one of the worse of the taboo words in English speech. Its origins are not unanimously agreed on but the most popular view is that it was an acronym labeling women who have had sex before marriage and by doing so committed an offense against God and the law (For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge). It has now become the most popular of the swear words to enter regular speech. Its versatility is its strongest attribute, replacing literally hundreds of other English words.

2. Shit - it was at one time used as a stronger word for the verb defecate. But now with its entry into popular speech it has become almost as versatile as fuck especially as an expression for surprise, anger, disappointment, and many other human emotions.

3. Bitch - although its actual definition means a female dog, bitch was at one time used to negatively describe a woman of mean character. It lost its ability to offend when it entered popular speech through the absorption by woman themselves to describe each other as forthright and strong.

4. Slut - originally meaning a woman who keeps an unfit and dirty home, it moved on to describe a woman who was promiscuous. Since the sexual revolution and invention of the pill it has entered popular speech and is now used by both sexes in a congratulatory manner.

5. Asshole - the male version of the word bitch, which originally was a stronger word for anus, asshole still holds both descriptions but has lost its power as many men see themselves positively in such a manner. It shows the ability to stand up for oneself and speak frankly.

These five words are the best examples of the infiltration of swear words into popular speech. But, are there others that haven't gained that kind of respect? Yes, many still hold the power to identify a person of low character and other still hold the ability to offend. But the list is shrinking. If there is one word that could be a touchstone for the final incorporation of all offensive words into the regular speech of English speaking North Americans it would have to be the word "cunt." Presently, cunt is still taboo. In fact, it is the worse word you can use to describe a female. Because of its strength it will probably be the last swear word to be incorporated into the mainstream and therefore will indicate when the English language has lost its ability to offend; unless more are invented of course.

Whether you believe that society is becoming more enlightened by the slow integration of taboo words into regular speech, or think that this phenomenon indicates the "ghettoization" of North American thought, creating a base and immoral culture, there is little argument that it is happening. We at Exposure Online Magazine will let the readers decide which opinion has more merit.

Swearing - Page 2 | Swearing - Page 1

Article by:
FS Staff

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