Couple more optional questions

  • Did the decision bring any change to your life ?
  • Do you feel the decision stopped you from expressing something at some point ?
  • SSTF
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    9 months ago

    I have made a conscious effort to reduce swearing, which has brought my swearing down to near zero, both online and in real life conversation.

    I have found that it streamlines the ability to make a point. A lot of swearing is simply thrown in out of habit, and if you remove it, all you do is make your point more clear without losing anything of substance.

    I think for many people swearing is a “filler word” in the same way that “umm” can be. I have also worked hard to reduce my other filler word use. My goal with both of these is better articulation.

    The next effect is that swearing is normally viewed as an extreme use of language for an extreme situation, and when you don’t constantly swear the times that you do actually conveys how notable the situation is.

          • SSTF
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            9 months ago

            Then it isn’t a filler. I never said I don’t swear, but have greatly reduced it. One effect of reduced swearing is that when swears are used, they have more punch.

            I’m not sure why you’re so invested in debating that people who habitually swear won’t insert swears into unrelated thoughts, but the only support I offer is to listen to someone who habitually swears speak. I don’t want to sound like that, so I make the effort not to.

            My choice on how I speak and type doesn’t impose anything on you.

            • SatansMaggotyCumFart
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              29 months ago

              Will Smith famously limits his swearing and doesn’t swear while rapping and next thing you know he’s bitch-slapping Chris Rock.

  • Aniki 🌱🌿
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    329 months ago

    I enjoy the exercise of trying to think ahead of the words coming out of my mouth so I can speak more concisely and clearly. It’s the same reason I do calligraphy.

  • @OutlierBlue@lemmy.ca
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    9 months ago

    I try to avoid it because it dilutes your actual point. They’re filler words, that are sometimes used for actual emphasis, but mostly just said out of habit and really don’t mean anything at all.

    Besides, if you rarely swear, it makes it even more powerful when you actually fucking mean it.

  • @Papanca@lemmy.world
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    199 months ago

    Because swear words are, to me, an expression of anger or irritation. Swearing would therefore reinforce angry mindstates.

    Yes, this was both very helpful for my mind, i’m happy and calm most of the time, and others appreciate it too and are happy to be around me.

    It didn’t stop me from expressing anything. It just makes me pause to think of a better, kinder way to express myself, without making other people angry. It helps communicating with other people in a more friendly, helpful way. When i would be angry, it would be hard to listen to other people.

    • @TBi@lemmy.world
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      49 months ago

      Interesting point, I might start doing this. Challenge myself to find more inventive words to express myself.

      • @letsgo@lemm.ee
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        39 months ago

        It’s completely valid but needs careful use because it can be destructive. Unrestrained anger is way too common and a huge problem for everyone around those afflicted with it.

  • NutWrench
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    139 months ago

    I save my profanity for times and things that are truly worth getting upset about. If you use it all the time, then it becomes meaningless. It just becomes background noise and you sound like a 10 year old all the time.

    • JaggedRobotPubes
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      39 months ago

      If you swear enough you can completely turn it off when you’re truly pissed and it’s terrifying.

  • @intensely_human@lemm.ee
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    129 months ago

    I was once being followed and harassed by a woman. I told her to “stay the fuck out of my life”.

    Nothing came of it, but when I asked a lawyer about getting a restraining order against her, he told me that she actually had grounds to get an order against me, specifically because I had used the word “fuck” when I said that to her. That word, he said, could be considered evidence in a hearing that I was dangerous to her.

    So basically, my primary reason to stop cursing is to avoid triggering special rules (not only legal, but corporate rules as well) that are activated by a person who says those key words.

    • The Menemen
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      109 months ago

      Getting a restraining order against someone, because they said“stay the fuck out of my life” is so dumb. Sorry, I had to laugh. Hope you sorted that out and can live your life safely.

  • @Zachariah@lemmy.world
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    129 months ago

    I don’t really use those words unless I’m in a state my brain cannot better articulate my thoughts and feelings. They are a crude tool.

    Reminds me of:

    https://quoteinvestigator.com/2012/08/29/substitute-damn/

    …there is one thing I wish you would do when you sit down to write news stories, and that is: Never use the word, “very.” It is the weakest word in the English language; doesn’t mean anything. If you feel the urge of “very” coming on, just write the word, “damn,” in the place of “very.” The editor will strike out the word, “damn,” and you will have a good sentence.

  • @SubstituteTurkey@lemmy.ca
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    119 months ago

    I had children. In my opinion, I had no choice. I was swearing so much that I thought it made me sound dumb but I couldn’t stop until I felt I had to. There are moments where I really miss it but only in intense frustration. Overall, I’m able to articulate better and think I’m better received.

  • @davidgro@lemmy.world
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    79 months ago

    My parents both didn’t swear (at least not where I could hear them) so I simply never picked up the habit. I can swear if I make a conscious effort to do so, but generally only find reason to if I am quoting someone or something. And even that feels awkward to me.

    As for expressing myself, I don’t believe I have much trouble in that regard. There are a ton of other words available and ways to arrange them. And if I truly need to express anguish, rage, etc. there is always yelling or screaming.

  • @sga@lemmy.world
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    9 months ago

    I do not publicly swear, I live in a place where practically everyone does, I am young, all my friends do, but I don’t, mostly, because I like to be soft-spoken. I have publicly swore maybe less than 5 times (even these are when I am very angry, someone swore, and I just repeat how can you say ***). Plus this elevates even the impact of me saying something like “stupid person” (in my native language) as if I swore. I do swore in my mind, mostly from having it as a part of my vocabulary (I do know how to swear (pretty good) in 3 languages, and a bit in 3 more), but I maintain good filters, and just helps me do natural conversations, so I dont have to think of my statements when I say it in front of my friends, or elderly

  • @Epzillon@lemmy.ml
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    59 months ago

    I feel like im the opposite from a lot of people in this thread. I very rarely get upset. Like, once a year maybe? Sure, some things annoy me, but they’re rarely worth getting upset about. I think most people see me as a “funny guy” thats easy to be around.

    Now I swear a lot, like very alot. And its mostly for comedic purpose or putting that tiny bit of emphasis on something, usually opposite from what i actually mean. Saying something like “a fuckton” usually means i had 2 apples instead of 1, where if i actually had way too many apples i would be more descriptive about it and not swear. People tend to take things more seriously that way.

    I think casually swearing can help with not getting upset to begin with while also being more expressive if used correctly. I feel like i can get emphasis on what i say and having some form of relief from just swearing casually, which helps negate the build up of annoyances and eventually actually getting upset.

    I very rarely swear in an insulting manner, i find it way more insulting and effective to use words that are very “unharmful” for that purpose, such as calling someone a clown or gnome. In the right setting those are devasting. I dont think it translates very well to english, but just imitating a 10yo and saying “your mom” is also just insanely funny as an insult because of how inherently stupid it is.