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Re: What is a curse word? [message #292454 is a reply to message #291021] Wed, 24 October 2007 16:43 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
KIRBY-098 is currently offline  KIRBY-098
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Registered: July 2006
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Swearing debases a language to a common level and just generally reduces the intelligence quotient overall in a conversation.

Perhaps it's because gutteral words that roll several meaning into one show a lack of effort at eloquence and expression or perhaps an actual provocation?

Example of lack of effort: The eskimos have many (100 or so if memory serves) ways to say "snow". It's a very specific way to talk about types of precipitation.
They could just use one slang word to refer to it, and everyone would know what they were talking about sort of. But would they properly convey the delicate beauty of a soft hard sparkly snow good for travel but lousy for tracking as opposed to a wet heavy snow that would make it difficult to travel, but great for tracking?

Example of provocation: The word "Fat". Just a word, but the connotations and social hang ups attached to it cause hurt and disgust when the word is used in certain situations. I sincerely doubt Weight Watchers describes their clients as "Fatties" and uses a better word with more respect such as "obese" or "heavy". It's a way to respect sensitivity which we should be trying to do as a species in our efforts to become more intelligent.

Language is supposed to become MORE eloquent and useful for expression as we become more knowledgeable and our society evolves. Not less, and I think that's where the rejection comes from.

It's lazy, provocative, and knocks social advancement down a peg.

It's part of the reason the British think we're warrior cavemen.
 
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