F*ck It. I’m Happy!

 **Warning: Content may be offensive to young children and readers, discretion is advised.**

   I’m sitting in my house this morning, trying to come up with a good...possibly great, idea for this piece.  I had lots of thoughts on interesting topics, everything from how classic TV makes you smarter, to the benefits of virtual concerts but, my head was blank. I found myself mentally screaming every swear word known to mankind...Topic? Bingo!

• Swearing is for smart

    Multiple studies concur that swearing is actually reflective of intelligence and verbal fluency. A person who is considered a good speaker, may use swearing to go beyond just words.

• "Oh, bullocks!" Swearing in pain.

    Remember in those lovely teenage years when you got drunk and stubbed your toe at your friend's pool party and you yelled "sh*t!” so loud the neighbors called 911? Well, there's a good reason for that because according to an article by Richard Stephens, swearing can be used as a fight or flight response to dangerous or painful situations.

•  Swearing make you calmer.

  According to research, hell yes! If you’re having an argument with a significant other or friend, using profanity in a charming...(ish) way may help you prove your point without punching them in the face, and even make your side of the story more believable without risking harm to the relationship.

• Damn it! I love you.

   While saying bad words is traditionally thought to be low class, in a 2017 article by Eileen Finn of Concordia University,  finds that swearing can be seen as a form of bonding between parties. Finn writes:

Swearing is a good indication as to how close another person feels to the swearer and whether they consider them part of their intimate social group (Jay et al., 2008; Pinker, 2007; Vingerhoets et al., 2013; Winters et al., 2001). It indicates membership to an exclusive social circle. In a soap factory in New Zealand, it was found that in-member groups were only willing to swear with one another, but not with outsiders (Vingerhoets et al., 2013). Thus, swearing is used to express group membership, and is not class dependent.

   Additionally, swearing can be shown to cultivate teamwork in a workplace environment and help you and your coworkers be more productive overall.

   Did you know? Currently there are about seventy swear words in American English and about 10 frequently used phrases among them with F*ck and s*it being used in about half of television episodes.

• The international effect

    Profanity isn’t just popular as a means of expression in the U.S., it’s also quite in style in Germany. They even have a favorite word: “Scheisse”, the best part is it’s universal!

   In his rather entertaing 2020 article, Imanuel Marcus of The Berlin Spectator, points out that the word "Scheisse", (pronounced like “shy” with a “zah” on the end) can be used as an adjective and a noun, both to express something positive and negative. There are tons of examples for its appropriateness: Someone just broke your iPad? "Scheisse!" You just got engaged? "Scheisse!" Do you need to insult your psychotic ex? Well, there's a female and male version of the word for that too. 

   Interestingly enough, my friend Kat, who is Filipina taught me some funny swear words today like,  “anak ng tinapay” which literally translates to mean “child of bread.” Here in the United States, we would be scratching our heads in utter confusion, however in her culture, it is an insult; so don’t go around saying to anyone,  “You child of bread!” It’s also really important to know that some words have no clear English translation, so swear wisely!

   Want to know what country has the most foul language? According to recent searches, I found that Russia and Hungary are pretty up there. Italy, however seems to have its own categories for cussing: "parolacce" meaning, ugly words used in casual conversation and "bestemmie" or blaspheme, used to insult divinity and God. Which, personally, I don't ever recommend. 

• Why is swearing so taboo?

    In this writer's opinion it really isn't, except I believe you should never swear on purpose in front of young children, the elderly, or people you don't know, just as a sign that you are, in fact a respectable person in most circles.  Swearing with close friends or loved ones, when it's appropriate? I say enthusiastically, GO FOR IT!

Hearing your parents swear growing up and then repeating a four letter word may get you grounded for life when your young, but avoiding peer pressure not to cuss from the “cool kids” can be difficult, I know I was taught never to swear and I didn’t until I was in my 20s. Honestly, F#@! It, I just let them fly...Within reason, of course!    

    It’s a shame that swearing has been so long associated with the idea that if you swear you’re somehow labeled as a “bad” person or the thought that God could be so offended, that he or she will throw you into the fiery pits of Hell at the exact moment of your death. Personally, I don’t think Jesus cares if I cuss and if He’s unconditionally loving, then why would He? However some do tend to hold language sacred, and I agree because what you say, really does have power.

A “cheeky” conclusion

    In summary, There are lots of cultural, personal, and even scientific explanations as to why one might insert the odd expletive into a conversation, or this piece of writing for example. But the trick is finding a creative, funny way to use these colorful gems to make life more interesting while  at the same time, using them in the correct situations and with the right people. Looking to spice up your swear life? There is treasure trove of words that could be used as a a nice alternative to your everyday, average swear, just search “charming swear words”  on Google and you may find that your grandparents said,”make like a tree and leave” as an off handed way of telling a rude neighbor to “f*ck off!”  in a more dignified way so as not to offend my have been good; because sometimes less is more and it never hurts to be a little old school!