tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post7184684850895434002..comments2024-03-28T02:15:06.910-07:00Comments on Tossing It Out: What's So Funny About Swearing?Arlee Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-78661908615261071622020-04-06T17:11:35.675-07:002020-04-06T17:11:35.675-07:00I personally don't buy the theory that swearin...I personally don't buy the theory that swearing is actually beneficial. I think it is the act of uttering a word or phrase as an outburst that is beneficial. So shouting 'fiddlesticks' would be just as effective from that point of view (although of course you would be regarded as a complete eccentric if you did that).Anthony Fraylingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-79637326431154556072018-04-18T20:24:44.740-07:002018-04-18T20:24:44.740-07:00Decahedron, different people have different things...Decahedron, different people have different things that strike their funnybone. Probably has a lot to do with upbringing as well.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-47873519013663314372018-04-18T10:41:30.423-07:002018-04-18T10:41:30.423-07:00i wish people didn't need to resort to toilet ...i wish people didn't need to resort to toilet words for the shock value, i hate the fact that so many see disgusting as humorous, even a person breaking their leg, is enjoyed, you should feel bad, not laugh at them. Decahedronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14883967191905849316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-23115029696560648392015-03-04T20:04:41.225-08:002015-03-04T20:04:41.225-08:00From my understanding of what the commenter has sa...From my understanding of what the commenter has said that they were not using "Jihad" as a word for God but an arbitrary substitute for saying something like 'Jehovah" or "Jesus", but just a word from another religion so as not to abuse any names holy to a Christian. "Holy Jihad" sounds closer to the Christian related versions and indeed sound a bit more ludicrous and funny that saying "Holy Allah" which is more like a weird sound of alliterating than an actual oath. I think you have actually missed the point that the commenter was trying to make. Blasphemy and oaths in the name of God the Father or our Lord and Savior, the incarnation of God on Earth, Jesus Christ are not appropriate. To say lesser substitution words and phrases like nuts, fudge, shoot, gosh durn it, or Holy Jihad are perhaps crude, but better than using the Lord's name in vain. <br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-30712239717986891052015-03-04T12:00:33.854-08:002015-03-04T12:00:33.854-08:00Jihad is one of the five pillars of Islam, not a g...Jihad is one of the five pillars of Islam, not a god. You should really try to understand the religion you want to "blasphemy" it (not the correct usage of that word). Also no one with any sense would think you are a terrorist because 1) real muslims, even the extremists who have become terrorists, would never even think of using their God's name in vain and 2) your incorrect use and misunderstanding of the word Jihad only shows your ignorance of the religion and culture that you are attempting to degrade.Cassidy Hickshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09387572404239766968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-32320009603736714632013-05-26T19:02:43.975-07:002013-05-26T19:02:43.975-07:00I view swearing like other writing tool - it needs...I view swearing like other writing tool - it needs to be used when appropriated and not overused.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515397829167775263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-78065490693882625932013-05-24T07:48:53.660-07:002013-05-24T07:48:53.660-07:00Jagoda -- It's true that the majority of thing...Jagoda -- It's true that the majority of things others may say around us or in the media should be merely processed as objectively as possible. The irony that I find is that those who expect others to just deal with the way they talk or the things they say are the often the first to cry out against those others who offend them. Tolerance is very subjective and only seems appropriate when it deals with the other person being tolerant of our own beliefs and causes.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-33571095382504196822013-05-24T07:04:31.114-07:002013-05-24T07:04:31.114-07:00Ah, yes, when "people do it in defiance of ou...Ah, yes, when "people do it in defiance of our sensibilities" describes an intent that I too would find offensive. You are right that reasons for taking offense are complex because we humans are complex. Having worked with interpersonal dynamics as deeply as I have, I know that when people can learn not to take as many things personally, they suffer less. I also know that taking umbrage and making a stand over an issue connected to someone's values and beliefs is viewed as an important aspect of integrity.Jagodahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18352786929899391940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-69754038976535645292013-05-23T08:00:34.056-07:002013-05-23T08:00:34.056-07:00Larry -- Did I respond to this somewhere else? Or...Larry -- Did I respond to this somewhere else? Or did I start to respond here and lose it? The gist of what I had said that the language is wrong, but it doesn't make sense to force censorship on anyone.<br /><br />Jagoda -- I think offenses and the acts of the offenders come on so many levels and involve so many variances that your question has no simple answer. Some people have thicker skin than others, some verbal attacks are worse than others, place or time can have something to do with the level that one might be offended. Also we can define offense and postures of the reactions of the offended in different ways. I might smile at something somebody says to me but I can feel a strong sense of indignation that it has been said and be offended in my mind. I think it's reasonable to be offended by something that we are strongly against and people do it in defiance of our sensibilities.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-50907497480917820752013-05-21T22:43:58.825-07:002013-05-21T22:43:58.825-07:00I have never found swearing funny, not even when i...I have never found swearing funny, not even when in the hands of a master like Carlin. After reading your second and third post, as well as most of the comments, a question occurred to me: what is it about swearing or blue language (I like that term) that is so offensive? Personally, I don't like it and don't use it except on rare occasion, but I don't find it offensive. Just base. Unnecessary. Occasionally, when spouted by a very angry person, frightening (and then the swearing is a symbol not the object of my fear). I don't necessarily see it as bad manners because that depends on the context and culture. I do believe it is ineffective for getting what you want and sometimes damages relationships, especially in mixed groups where some people are offended by it. I generally don't take offense unless that is what's intended. As your second post lays out, there are many reasons why people swear, not all (perhaps not even most) have bad intent behind them. So why take offense? Jagodahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18352786929899391940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-57777010998653443462013-05-21T20:52:43.877-07:002013-05-21T20:52:43.877-07:00Lee-
Just checked out your other post, and while ...Lee-<br /><br />Just checked out your other post, and while I'd agree that fould language is frowned upon, I'm not sure I'd agree with the use of the word "wrong."<br /><br />Maybe I am hung up on semantics-I do have a tendency towards that.<br /><br />In any event, I certainly agree that it is best not to use such language, but I can tell you that as recently as ten days ago I was dropping those seven words you can't say on TV like crazy (while with my old friends) and not really cognizant of the usage of the language.<br /><br />I do think it is best, even in light of the Biblical passages you reference, for people to censor themselves rather than have it forced on them.<br /><br />Otherwise, we will all be following Uncle O'bama's definition of acceptable language.<br /><br />Fun topic-a lot of good discussion.<br /><br />"Some people say 'shoot' but they don't fool me....<br />'Shoot' means 'shit' with two O's!<br />-George Carlin<br /><br />I don't listen to them much either, but when he stuck to his observations on how we use words, Mr. Carlin was brilliant.<br />DiscConnectedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07013919800637508392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-1129058064254530162013-05-21T18:07:03.073-07:002013-05-21T18:07:03.073-07:00Larry -- See my most recent post at A Few Words. ...Larry -- See my most recent post at <a href="http://psalmsunday.blogspot.com/2013/05/what-does-bible-say-about-swearing.html" rel="nofollow"> A Few Words</a>. There are verses in my post and in the comments that I think pretty well covers the matter of speech. I think my argument about the use of what we think of as dirty words definitely would be included if we accept the fact that words have meaning, convey ideas, and suggest images. Let me know what you think. I don't offend excessively easy, but I recognize when things lack value and might have been done better. I enjoy Carlin's intellectual approach. I am still a fan of the films of David Lynch. I just don't watch and listen to these things over and over again.<br /><br />Carol -- Ah the old headache excuse again! My Monday goal on this blog is to stimulate thought and discussion.<br /><br />Lee<br /> Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-18067191891366920932013-05-21T16:54:18.998-07:002013-05-21T16:54:18.998-07:00You always make me think. My brain hurts :)You always make me think. My brain hurts :)Carol Kilgorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-72715685026625321312013-05-21T16:42:14.337-07:002013-05-21T16:42:14.337-07:00I see in Stephen's comment where he refers to ...I see in Stephen's comment where he refers to Biblical passages warning people not to use filthy language-I may e-mail him separately and ask for the references.<br /><br />He and I have had discussions on profanity before and I'm surprised he'd never mentioned this to me (or maybe he did and I have forgotten).<br /><br />I'd made an effort to stop using foul language because of what it said about me to people who overhear it, not for any other reason. <br /><br />I have always struggled with trying to censor language because everyone's definition of offensive is different.<br /><br />I've laughed at George Carlin's "Seven Words" bit for most of my life. I laughed at Eddie Murphy, and I even chucked at some of Dice Clay's early stuff.<br /><br />I do not offend easy.<br /><br />That said, If the Bible defines offensive, I would certainly accept that definition, regardless of what I feel (although I'm holding onto my worn vinyl copy of George Carlin's "Class Clown").DiscConnectedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07013919800637508392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-76264663130927937502013-05-21T16:29:56.376-07:002013-05-21T16:29:56.376-07:00Lee-
Does the Bible specifically address anything...Lee-<br /><br />Does the Bible specifically address anything other than blasphemy? <br /><br />I was unaware of that.<br /><br />LCDiscConnectedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07013919800637508392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-48015830854762270852013-05-21T14:55:23.945-07:002013-05-21T14:55:23.945-07:00Tina -- You are very correct and I think that is t...Tina -- You are very correct and I think that is the irony when certain people start talking about tolerance. For many tolerance is what they believe and does not include what certain others believe. Use of profanity has very little to do with beliefs. There is no way that I would give my life or sacrifice the life of one of my children or anyone else in order to allow someone else to use profanity. To me that is not a valuable right and it's not worth fighting for.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-55674808440606888612013-05-21T14:51:07.387-07:002013-05-21T14:51:07.387-07:00Melissa-- Very interesting. As I've stated pre...Melissa-- Very interesting. As I've stated previously, a friend of mine who was in law enforcement told me that he was instructed to use profanity when dealing with criminal types. Where is the example of rehabilitation if the cops are talking like the criminals? I've known some very upstanding cops who never used swear words and they came across as very cool and professional to me. I think you provide a good argument for law enforcement to come across a clean guys. They're supposed to be the good guys aren't they? They should speak that way. Words have meaning and evoke images. Thank you for this bit of insight.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-67212948085279336772013-05-21T14:49:55.257-07:002013-05-21T14:49:55.257-07:00I don't thank any soldier currently deployed w...I don't thank any soldier currently deployed would say, "I'm here so that people can use the f-word freely." But freedom of speech means freedom of ALL speech, even that which we find offensive. "I hate what you're saying, but I will defend your right to say it." The problem is, our society tolerates EVERYTHING it seems, except Christianity. Try to speak out for your faith, try to hold the government accountable to have integrity and honesty according to the principles on which this country was founded, and you're knocked down. PC is the norm. Just don't try get tolerated for your faith, unless it isn't Christianity. If it's not, your fine. I think the truth frightens people. That whole part in John about the darkness not wanting the light because it exposed their deeds of darkness...<br />Tina @ <a href="http://kmdlifeisgood.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Life is Good</a>Tinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08925730745204736744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-75606272099729617952013-05-21T14:31:38.238-07:002013-05-21T14:31:38.238-07:00Wow, you've really covered this topic from all...Wow, you've really covered this topic from all angles. I am guilty of swearing, a lot. I know for sure that I do not do as a way of asserting my constitutional right to do so. I'm pretty sure I don't do it for humor. I honestly believe I've developed a bad habit of cussing (that's what we southern folk call swearing). I grew up hearing it, but my real potty mouth evolved while working as a prosecutor. The more police officers I hung out with or worked with, the worse it got. I'm not blaming them or saying that all law enforcement officers cuss or swear, but that's where my bad habit became a worse habit.Melissa Sugarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16268333458796847721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-16468088827711339072013-05-21T13:39:56.572-07:002013-05-21T13:39:56.572-07:00Jackie -- The unexpected can often delight us and ...Jackie -- The unexpected can often delight us and crack us up. Carlin added the intellectual aspect of making us think about what he said.<br /><br />Larry -- The aspect of right or wrong depends on how you measure it. The Bible specifically indicates that it is wrong, but if someone is not approaching it from a Biblical perspective then right and wrong gets pretty relative. As I have stressed previously, words carry meaning connected with emotion. I don't think we can realistically separate that. Maybe a few in their own minds can rationalize this, but certain segments of society have reactionary tendencies toward certain words. I would venture to say we all would have limitations regarding at what point certain words will affect us. Unless you're someone like Mr. Spock who can separate emotion and rationalize everything. I'd venture to say that there is no one completely like this and if there were they might be rather disturbing people to be around. Words convey thoughts and there are evil thoughts that we shouldn't be dwelling upon.<br /><br />Lee<br /><br /><br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-71486051230057488452013-05-21T12:59:41.659-07:002013-05-21T12:59:41.659-07:00Lee (and Stephen, since I think your first comment...Lee (and Stephen, since I think your first comment seems to allude to mine)-<br /><br />I would disagree with either of you that use of four letter words is a matter of right or wrong...but would agree with the many comments that indicate a sign of maturity is the control to not use such language.<br /><br />But for me, it really does "come naturally."<br /><br />Having just spent four days with three of my oldest friends, who pretty much cannot complete a sentence without saying f#@k, I can tell you that I was right back in that mode for the weekend, and took the better part of last week to get out of it.<br /><br />Did I turn it off in front of my parents? You betcha-I cannot stand the smell of Ivory soap to this day.<br /><br />In my mind (with the exception of taking the name of God in vain) these ARE just words.<br /><br />Just like 'nigger" is a word. And 'bitch' is a word.<br /><br />Words cannot harm just by being spoken. Only the listener gives them that power.<br /><br />Interesting discussion, but in the end...<br /><br />F$#k it.<br /><br />LCDiscConnectedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07013919800637508392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-81499864069023026342013-05-21T09:03:12.817-07:002013-05-21T09:03:12.817-07:00I think you pretty much nailed the "why"...I think you pretty much nailed the "why" in your section about the humourous aspects. Especially the element of surprise and the art of line delivery...<br />and nobody did it better than George Carlin ;)Jackie B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00710967201214369828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-30505615731519833072013-05-21T08:59:09.417-07:002013-05-21T08:59:09.417-07:00Jo -- I try to avoid swearing on my blog in most c...Jo -- I try to avoid swearing on my blog in most cases unless I'm trying to make a point about the word in particular. The way I see it, my blogs are on the internet almost like part of my resume. I don't want something of a bad character coming back to haunt me sometime in the future.<br /><br />Tammy -- I think my points have been difficult to dispute. I haven't seen anybody do it very successfully yet.<br /><br />Donna -- Anything can be run into the ground especially if it is somewhat grating to begin with.<br /><br />StMc -- You make some very good points, yet parts of your comment seem almost tongue-in-cheek. Rip Torn? His name alone is funny. Now I'll have to look him up since I can't place who he is. And I guess it could be argued that "t*ts" is pretty mild and perhaps shouldn't be considered as an expletive. It's just a variation on the word "teats". However I do understand what you're saying.<br /><br />Buck -- Now to find the words or actions that can effectively relieve stress, frustration, or pain without resorting to using bad language.<br /><br />Donna -- I have put "swearing" under the umbrella of many things as I explained in my first post. I'm using the term in a pop sense and an all-encompassing one so I don't have to keep repeating all the gradations and variances of the term. It's better to avoid the vulgar if there is a better term. It's like teaching our youngsters body parts and functions. Should we teach them the crude terms? Or the actual scientific terminology? What will make them more intelligent and come across as sounding more intelligent?<br /><br />Hart -- Part of my goal has been to illustrate that all language means something and has references to other things. We should become more thoughtful--especially if we are writers--about how we express ourselves and how others in society express themselves. I admire writers who can brilliantly convey things without stooping to the low level of crude language. If that is what readers are demanding then this is a sad statement on our society and partly the fault of certain writers that came before. Do we have the creative boldness to change this? And I'm quite certain that the founding fathers were not thinking of swearing or hate speech when they were drawing up the amendment. You have to think of the time from where they were coming and the events that had happened related to speaking out. Ironically, I find that the most intolerant people in our hemisphere are ones who swear a lot and have extremely liberal ideas. We are told otherwise by the media, but actions speak louder than empty media words.<br /><br />Courtney -- Swearing to impress someone higher up seems almost oxymoronic. Of course that is unless it's to impress someone higher up like older or more influential gang members or moral low-lifes--then it's just moronic.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-44492985355527925652013-05-21T08:19:22.335-07:002013-05-21T08:19:22.335-07:00Interesting post! I think swearing has gotten old ...Interesting post! I think swearing has gotten old and out-of-hand. I think that every once in a while is alright, but certainly swearing to devalue someone or because you think it will look impressive to a higher-up is a silly notion! Then again, as someone in the field of elementary education, swearing simply cannot be on my radar.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Courtney Hosny<br />http://www.oneweektocrazy.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-8897097506534979332013-05-21T08:14:10.795-07:002013-05-21T08:14:10.795-07:00OH! Forgot the founding fathers point... I believ...OH! Forgot the founding fathers point... I believe our founding fathers had the brilliance to know society was moving forward. And if some of the disgusting, hateful stuff is meant to be defended, swearing certainly was. Intolerance is far more offensive to me and dangerous for the fabric of our society.Hart Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17599570189253229318noreply@blogger.com