Do you class swearing as the norm?

[Marshstyles]

I don't swear much and certainly not every other word. We had builders doing work recently and one introduced himself as "I'm ******* Jonny" which was bizarre although maybe it was just a statement of fact

haha

I've been in the and around the building trade all my life so it really hardwired into me.

I try not to use it outside of work though it is kind of hard when I am mixing with friends who use them in every other sentence.

I never swear in front of mother either.

 

[The_Baron]

Try not to swear. Occasionally do so if I bang my head off a low ceiling or incur pain in some other way! Those who continually swear in everyday conversation come across as a bit dim. There are better ways to express yourself.

 

[Cosimo]

No. I was brought up that way and will try to use an alternative. For some peasants it’s normal so occasionally one has to drop down to their level in order to communicate effectively.

 

[Medallion man]

For some it’s normal so occasionally one has to drop down to their level in order to communicate effectively.

When I worked at NETTO (the real name was ****TO) the only way, from what I saw, was the only way to get customers to listen and I can guarantee they had their hearing aids swirched on at maximum volume and in full working order when it came to swearing at them (I didn't but how else could I get them to understand English?)

 

[elmarko]

Swearing has its place, to add emphasis & convey extremities of emotion. Used correctly it's a fantastic tool of communication.

The only thing I dislike is where it's overused inappropriately (usually by idiots).

 

[Zbornak]

In my experience of working in retail (I don't do customer servant), swearing is the only language some customers understand (they don't like it but they listen and suddenly get a good understanding of the English language).

Where on Earth did you work where swearing was used to help customers understand you?

"Would you like a bag with that?"
"Pardon."
"WOULD YOU LIKE A ****ING BAG WITH THAT?"
"Oh. Yes please."

 

[Malevolence]

I'm with Stephen Fry on this.

 

[Sliver]

Swearing makes the baby jebus cry.

 

[Rozzy85]

What context are we talking here? Swearing replacing general words in front of strangers or with people you know well? It's quite different. The former could be considered a bit foul. The latter is just banter 'inet bruv.

 

[ethan]

TBH I think it's got to do with how you were brought up.. If your family and friends were doing it, you would learn it no matter what. Programs you watched on TV, all the better ones had swearing (intelligent programs too), so you would be used to it and subconsciously learn from it and swear. Unless you're brought up in the posh (we are better than everyone else) lifestyle, you WILL swear instinctually as the words have become a norm for us all (movies, certain sitcoms, magazines, social networks), apart from private school rich cocky rich a-holes who would NEVER do what the peasants do.
But intelligence comes when you know not to swear, I.E. a job interview. You can be swearing all your life, as I do thanks to South park, but deciding on when it can be right or wrong, will show what kind of intelligence you have. Swearing does NOT mean you belong on benefit street, or scum of the universe, or be institutionalised in a 'special' school, because admit it, they are really just words used everywhere these days, that honestly you will never escape from. Comparing it to intelligence means you are a posh high o mighty prestige perfect human being who thinks every other is scum below them..

TL:;DR Comparing swearing to intelligence means you are Hitler re-incarnated

Why do you assume if you are brought up posh you are somehow thinking you are better than those that are not or for that matter you have to be brought up posh not to swear, let's say as profusely as a teenager trying to grow up faster to be a man?

TL:;DR Comparing swearing to intelligence means you are Hitler re-incarnated

I don't see how when it has nothing to do with eugenics but everything to do with lifestyle choice?

 

[T0pPredator]

I have found myself to be using foul language without reasonable justification a lot more frequently in recent times. I'm really not sure why either..
Swearing has its place for sure, but I think it does have a negative influence on peoples opinion of you when you swear inapropriately or just too often.

How would one get out of the habit of casual swearing?

 

[Sliver]

How would one get out of the habit of casual swearing?

By thinking before you engage your mouth. It's not that hard you know.

 

[Caged]

I pretty much swear constantly at work. When someone asks your opinion of a product or service a quick "it's utter ****" gets the point across quickly and clearly.

 

[RedvGreen]

It is conditioning in the most part, and peer pressure/vaulting social boundaries on the rest.

In my job I encounter all sorts of folk, and I've realised that I change my dialect and language accordingly.

Swearing was often classed as a lower class habit, but i've come to realise that with most individuals, it represents honesty; but also sometimes a 'don't give a damn' attitude.

They don't beat around the bush, you know where you stand with them right off the bat.

 

[novaenough]

Swearing has its place, to add emphasis & convey extremities of emotion. Used correctly it's a fantastic tool of communication.

The only thing I dislike is where it's overused inappropriately (usually by idiots).

Pretty much sums up my thoughts.
I do adjust my vocabulary depending on company and circumstance. As others have said I think there are times where its less appropriate/acceptable to swear and also people who I wouldn't swear in front off.
In 38 years I don't think I've sworn in front of my mum and don't intend to start now, think I've only sworn when my dad's been there a handful of times. They don't like swearing and I'm quite happy to respect their wishes.

 

[Things change I've changed]

Some interesting replies, I honestly think people that swear all the time display what is in my opinion a lack of respect for language, and to a certain degree I think it shows lack of self control. Just as your clothes can say a lot about you so can your language, you wouldn't want to go out with dirty clothes then why dirty your vocabulary?

 

[LOAM]

I have complete control over my swearing and it entirely depends on whos company I am in. I can swear like a trooper, and do when appropriate but can also go weeks without uttering a single one. I personally think its a highly emotive and descriptive aspect of our vocabulary and have no issues with it when used in an appropriate context.

 

[Sliver]

I have complete control over my swearing and it entirely depends on whos company I am in. I can swear like a trooper, and do when appropriate but can also go weeks without uttering a single one. I personally think its a highly emotive and descriptive aspect of our vocabulary and have no issues with it when used in an appropriate context.

Indeed.

 

[SexyGreyFox]

In my last two jobs I've worked with an office full of women so I hear a lot of swearing, way more than going out gigging with my rock band. I don't swear in front of the women.

 

[MrMarvelous]

Don't class it as norm but do it myself at work quite a lot (engineeering envoiroment). At home and out it'll be very little to no swearing at all.