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Why the Hell Are We Cussing So Much?
In most social circles, outside of truck stops and biker bars, swearing is considered to be vulgar. And, quite possibly, a sign of lower intelligence. So why the #&@% are we swearing so much these days?
As I wrote about recently, the world is downright cranky these days. Whether it’s our binary political discourse, or the impact of the nearly two-year house-guest that doesn’t want to leave (Covid). People are just irritable. And, swearing can relieve a little of that tension. Yes, swearing is like putting hot sauce on a chicken sandwich. It just adds a little excitement to an otherwise boring meal.
There has been an odd blending of our lives during Covid. A merging of our personal and professional space that has taken down some of the old barriers. We work where we live and live where we work. Sometimes it’s hard to know the difference.
“Under certain circumstances, urgent circumstances, desperate circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer.”
— Mark Twain
Mentally, people resort to heavy swearing when they feel backed into the corner. Or, when all logic has been ignored. It’s an emotional reaction and often a relief valve. The same way a toddler screams when they’re not getting their way.
