Swear words, cuss words, profanity, bad language or taboo words…no matter what you call it, it’s all the same. But words are just words. They only take on the value that we give them. So, are they really bad? And if they are considered bad, why do people swear?
The value of those naughty words is certainly a debatable subject. It’s all based on the individual perception of value for those taboo words. For those who find swear words offensive, there is no reason for using profane language. For those who find power behind those words, there’s nothing offensive about them. It’s all in how you see it.
Swear words can have value in specific situations. Those naughty little words hold the power to release strong emotions, like anger or frustration. Swearing can play an important part in reducing levels of stress or anxiety. When in pain, they can increase pain tolerance by triggering the body’s fight-or-flight responses. Many a delivery room has heard an assortment of swear words when the patient is in the throws of labor. Or, you slam your finger in the car door and out pops “damn it”!
But, there are some risks to using profanity. Frequent, everyday swearing can reduce the emotional power and effectiveness of the curse words. Overuse or inappropriate use can lead to negative impressions, signaling a lack of control, immaturity or a poor attitude. In formal or sensitive discussions, swearing can create a hostile atmosphere, alienating listeners and hindering effective communication. Over-reliance on profanity can lead to a deterioration of that individuals ability to communicate by reducing their vocabulary.
Swear words are connected to emotion, and emotional things attract our attention and keep it. As a rule, we don’t necessarily expect someone to curse, so when they do, it stands out, it’s distinctive, which makes us remember them. That’s one reason why it’s easier for children to pick up those naughty tidbits as they are learning language. For parents who don’t want their little ones repeating such taboo words, you should remove them from your own vocabulary since do-as-I-say-and-not-as-I-do rarely works in this situation.
The context of how or when you use swear words is crucial. There is power in the word if it’s being used to release strong emotion or pain. That burst of sound releases negative energy from the body, which is a healthy thing. Overuse of those naughty words can definitely create a negative impression of that individual, especially if they are in the company of someone who has no tolerance for “bad language”.
I, personally, find the use of swear words to be helpful in dealing with the stresses of my life. Shit is probably my favorite swear word, as there is not only power in the word bursting from my lips but there’s also humor in the word itself. Many years ago, because of the difficulties of my home life, I ended up seeing a counselor. One of the things he said to me was that I need to release the build up of negative emotions within me. He encouraged me to use those naughty words as a pressure valve. I found value in that and make no apologies for my occasional usage of those “taboo words”.
Finding balance in life is relevant to finding what works for you. If those naughty words aren’t your cup of tea, by all means, don’t use them. But if you need that pressure valve, as I did and still do from time to time, then let it rip. But as with all things, consider your environment and the situation you are in at the moment before you let loose. After all, finding balance is both internal and external. Love yourself and love others. Respect yourself and respect others.