Those good old cuss words. The vocabulary that shocked the family, that introduced us to the taste of soap and made mom blush. I have been reminded numerous times what my first cuss word was and who heard me say it. I do not remember this incident, but I have a feeling that some people were very embarrassed. So, where did such colorful language originate? It has been suggested by research that cuss words came from the belief that words hold power and were early forms of magic words and when spoken with intensity can bless or curse those people who it is directed to. It is here than the context of “good” words or “bad” words became defined.
In the West, people from every race and level of education swear. 72 percent of men and 58 percent of women swear in public. The same is true for 74 percent of 18 to 34 year olds and 48 percent of people who are over age 55. And do not sit there and deny this. I have heard colorful prose from the mouths of babes to that nice little grandmother looking lady who lives down the street.
I do own the fortunate talent of being readily able, at a moments notice, to apply or constrain from the many colorful expressions I have acquired during my many years of practice, depending on the immediate environment, those individuals in near proximity and the scope of the situation in which I need to relay crucial information and do so with emphasis. I have even found myself in situations where I have done something to myself that creates intense and all-encompassing pain and have NOT let flow those descriptive words that help with a reduction of distress and suffering. On the other hand, I have hurt myself and the words flowed like a turbulent and ever flowing river, only ending when I needed to breathe again.
A recent study shows that swearing could actually be beneficial for you. Psychologists have found that swearing may serve an important function in relieving pain….duh!!!!The study, published in the NeuroReport, assessed how long college students could keep their hands engulfed in extremely cold water. During the test, participants could repeat a cuss word of their choice or chant a neutral word. When swearing, the 74 student volunteers reported less pain and on average endured about 44 seconds longer. Other studies have hinted that swearing can relieve built up stress and creates a calming effect when one is going postal.
Saying all this, I know that cussing, from a social standard is improper and can lead to early dementia, and I do remember many of those quaint lectures I received from family and a couple of friends for my sins of cussing. “Objections such that my vocabulary discloses lack of character, that it reflects ignorance, that it is lazy, disrespectful, lacks imagination and offends others”.
But most of you will agree, there are times it feels so good… @&%#&$@%$#!!!!!!
Swear word dictionary for those who need to redefine their language…
@#@!#%%^^$%!!!!!!!!!! ahhhhhhhhhhhh.
Feels good, doesn’t it….
cute . Put me on that list of the 48 Percent over 55. One thing I have to say. I will listen to some one cuss alot longer then I will watch them be cruel. till then……..
#$^#%$#@%#@…me, too!!!!