Is creative profanity a sign of intelligence?

[Sam Mills 51]

My father grew up in a family with zero swearing. It was limited in his social circle so, even though he knew the words, he wasn't accustomed to their casual use.

His first day in the Navy, someone said, "This ****ing ****er is ****ed again!" It opened his mind to the riches of the English language.

I've had a couple of nice sorts try to start with me. After I explain that I am a military brat, then spent a bunch of years in newsrooms, the convo stops quickly.

 

[playthrough]

In spoken language, **** yeah.

But I still hate it 98% of the time in professional writing. Someone like Charlie Pierce can pull it off but I never thought the Deadspin types from years ago (and all their offspring) could. It was just crass to be crass and lazy writing. Or if you want to tell me to get off my own lawn, that's fair.

 

[swingline]

My dad's family didn't really cuss that much, and they'd certainly never mother**** you. My mom's family more than made up the slack.

 

[Bubbler]

I have worked in hockey for 25 years. My old man was a Glasgow street thug and British army veteran. I have known people who can turn profanity into an art form. But even after all that I bow down to Veep for its absolutely brilliant use of profanity which has even taught me a thing or two.

I swear like it’s my job, but the British Isles are on another level.

It’s not just swearing. The insults are so creative. Was listening to a podcast and someone was called a “wet nap” as an insult.

Also, swearing or cursing?

 

[swingline]

Cussin'

 

[dixiehack]

I am amazed how often I hear profanity on client calls and even internally. Nowhere near newsroom levels but still there's seldom a week goes by without someone blurting out a round oath on camera.

I live by myself so plenty of time to let my inner Richard Pryor loose (minus the “N” word) with the rest of the IRL world none the wiser.

 

[Neutral Corner]

If it is I'm a ****in' genius.

 

[Inky_Wretch]

 

[outofplace]

There are some words nobody should use, and he used one, but Carlin had a point.

 

[swingline]

A few months ago, my ex heard our then 10-year-old practicing saying "What the ****?" in her bedroom.

My work here is done.

 

[justgladtobehere]

A few months ago, my ex heard our then 10-year-old practicing saying "What the ****?" in her bedroom.

My work here is done.

**** AI. If I cannot get it to generate a picture of Travis bickle as woman in front of full length mirror saying "what the ****", I don't know what the purpose is.

 

[Sam Mills 51]

Cussin'

 

[swingline]

Second-rate Billy Tubbs.

 

[Cosmo]

I really enjoy ODB’s seminal record, ni**a please.

 

[Starman]

Great Caesar's ghost!

 

[DanOregon]

Malcolm Tucker still on the board on Page 3?

 

[DanOregon]

A friend sent me this.