Quote: Captain Hook "Very interesting point of view Wires71 but within a language words have to have a meaning (or meanings) otherwise we would not be able to communicate. “Swear” words are the same. The fact that they usually relate to genitalia, and the more offensive words are based on female genitalia is intriguing. So the meaning of the word isn’t “owned” by the listener.
Why a word is given a specific meaning has always puzzled me. For example if you didn’t know any different “chlamydia “ I’ve always thought is a pleasant word (much like fuchsia) but the fact that it is the biggest killer of koalas ruins it for me.
The Buddhist approach to anger, however, is laudable. I will try to embrace it when reading this forum.'"
Yes it must have meaning but doesn't intrinsically carry an insult. This has to be applied (and accepted) by the recipient. Just the auditory act cannot cause offence.
Most of the objection I can see on here is driven by the fear instinct. "If my Johnny hears those words he will be damaged by them/start using them and then other people will do X, Y, Z or he will suffer X, Y, Z"
Acceptance and preparation is the key. "Johnny you are going to hear some words that some people don't like. They are called swear words and are used by people with limited vocabulary or to express emotion. You may have heard them before and you definitely will hear them again in the future. Some people are offended by them so I find it's best not to use them".
