this post was submitted on 06 Jan 2024
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Swearwords increasingly used for emphasis and to build social bonds, rather than to insult, say academics

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[–] thesmokingman 24 points 10 months ago (2 children)

In my personal swearing, I try to limit it to things that apply to everyone. Fornication, defecation, and damnation are things everyone can do (but might choose not to). Gendered or targeted swears have the possibility of perpetuating toxic traits, so I personally stay away from them. Fuck, shit, damn, all good. Other things get slippery so I try to avoid them myself. Granted, even that is a blurry line as I’ve highlighted I’m fine denigrating walnuts and trumpets elsewhere in this thread. I also don’t force that somewhat provincial view on others because it’s a personal standard. I might talk about why I try to avoid gendered swears, but that’s on me not on you.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 10 months ago

I'd argue it's perfectly possible to be a cunt without having one.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

Yeah, context can matter too though. I might say "son of a bitch" when I miss an exit or something, but I wince when I hear a woman called a bitch. In that context it's essentially a slur