I find I can skip passed those single word / smiley posts very quickly yet still have a good idea of what the poster was thinking, but having to read through a post littered with swearing is akin to listening to a chav, or what have you, talking about... well... almost anything. Every other word is a swear word and it gets difficult to determine the exact meaning of what it is they are trying to say.
the forum and swearing
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I find I can skip passed those single word / smiley posts very quickly yet still have a good idea of what the poster was thinking, but having to read through a post littered with swearing is akin to listening to a chav, or what have you, talking about... well... almost anything. Every other word is a swear word and it gets difficult to determine the exact meaning of what it is they are trying to say.
You should have listened to the teacher in English lessons.
True, but the lesson starts once the class is over. Every true language learner knows that...
Not only that, but when you start to study many different languages, you realise that swearwords are an important part of a language and in fact reveal a great deal about the underlying culture.
What is considered profane is entirely different depending on culture and language. Its actually a fascinating discussion, for example, the most profane thing that can be said in mexico translates to "I poo on god", whereas in italy it is heavily related to the activities of the mother...
Half the stuff of english isn't the slightest offensive in other languages, and yet some of the normal things we take for granted are highly offensive, such as the baring of feet in thailand. Cultural sensitivity is a complex subject, and goes far beyond simple "swear words".
EDIT : And considering that this forum is online, which isn't limited by location, and plays host to people from many different nationalities, I'd say you had a difficult job ahead of you ^^. The idea of "family values" itself is also highly subjective, even within england...
OH NO!!!!
Why do you care? Sweaer words are part of the English language.
I'm also an English teacher.
Man of Honour
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Well then you've got the freedom to swear and the moderators have the freedom to ban you - quid pro quo, no?
Indeed it is interesting what exactly will be offensive in certain countries and how a simple translation error can cause such offense. It might not be true but the story of the Pepsi slogan is illustrative - "Come alive with Pepsi" translated for the Chinese market became something along the lines of "Pepsi will bring your ancestors back from the dead".
Soldato
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I find it more offensive that people STILL don't know the difference between 'there', 'their' and 'they're' or they make no effort to write clear, concise messages on these boards. Check your posts people! It makes all the difference.
Man of Honour
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This thread is much more complicated then it needs to be. It really is very simple when you think about it.
If you are not sure about what words are or are not considered swearing, don't use any; fully star everything out and you won't have a problem. If you're still unsure, email a Underboss, Don or Admin for advice.
Swearing is not allowed on these forums and if you feel you absolutely have to use one then you either need to broaden your vocabulary or grow up.
If you see a sweary or link to swearing RTM it. It won't always edited but will be looked at. If you're still not happy email a member of the mod team to find out why we took the mod decisions we did. They do all make sense, honestly.
Burnsy
If you are not sure about what words are or are not considered swearing, don't use any; fully star everything out and you won't have a problem. If you're still unsure, email a Underboss, Don or Admin for advice.
Swearing is not allowed on these forums and if you feel you absolutely have to use one then you either need to broaden your vocabulary or grow up.
If you see a sweary or link to swearing RTM it. It won't always edited but will be looked at. If you're still not happy email a member of the mod team to find out why we took the mod decisions we did. They do all make sense, honestly.
Burnsy
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Reading this topic just makes me cringe.
Swear words, get over them. They are just words like any others.
Swear words, get over them. They are just words like any others.
Harsh
I'm 42 & swear like a trooper, Always have & Always will it is my vocabulary. I am from the Gutter & it's how me & All my family speak even my Mother.
The only way i can express what i mean is by using the words i have in my head at the time. I personally think that's what people like about me, I am a straight talking up front guy with no BS.
Having said that i have managed to express myself quite adequately on these boards for quite a few years now & it has even improved my spelling/grammar
It will Never change the way i speak though, Never. Not unless you rich privilaged well brought up well educated people want to pay for a decent education for me
People are different which makes everybody special no matter how they communicate. Whose to say that the arrangement of those letters is offensive anyway ? Whose rules are we living by in the world.
Here i live by Spies rules but in the World i live by My rules
I'd imagine there are plenty like you who swear regularly but don't on here.
Swearing is an integral part of my vocabulary too off this forum, I'm the filthiest ****** going at the Bridge when we're playing crap for instance or at work but I don't find it hard not to swear on here, some people just like to moan about it or cause a fuss it seems.
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Harsh
As for the bit that you quoted, I meant in the context of the forums specifically. Don't get me wrong, up until recently I swore so much it'd make Gordon Ramsey blush, but on the forums I don't find it hard not to swear and am confused by people who feel they must.
Burnsy
I know but i have to swear on the boards, I don't write it out but i star out my sweary in a way that is Legal. A **** is still a **** though a
Soldato
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How hypocritical...
Man of Honour
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I'm 42 & swear like a trooper, Always have & Always will it is my vocabulary. I am from the Gutter & it's how me & All my family speak even my Mother.
The only way i can express what i mean is by using the words i have in my head at the time. I personally think that's what people like about me, I am a straight talking up front guy with no BS.
Having said that i have managed to express myself quite adequately on these boards for quite a few years now & it has even improved my spelling/grammar
I could have wrote this and totally agree.
Theres a certain forum I look into most days and I often see a thread I would like to contribute to.
Virtually every thread breaks down after several posts because of swearing and abuse so its pointless.
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