I can’t believe that I’ve never written a post on cussing before, so I guess it’s time.
Oh, and I will write the word “cuss” too many times in this post.
Cussing was always off limits to me when growing up. My parents definitely led by example because I don’t think I ever heard them say a cuss word. If they did, maybe it was done in private. On the other hand, my grandmother, which we called “Nana”, thought it was hilarious to say a cuss word from time to time.
Oh and it was.
She said that saying a cuss word was something that her parents sometimes did to lighten the mood. She liked to show us how that worked.
Her favorite cuss words had to be sh*t & damn.
You see, since we weren’t allowed to say cuss words, hearing those would make us all laugh. They just sounded funny. Probably not funny to most of you, but it still makes me laugh.
And if you knew my Nana, then you know she should’ve been Saint Nana. Definitely the most Christ-like person I’ve ever known. I’m pretty sure cussing doesn’t make or break you.
It seems you have two sides on this topic. One says what you say shows what’s in your heart, so you shouldn’t say cuss words. Maybe that shows that there’s something wrong that is deeper than the surface.
I really like what Ephesians 4:29 says…
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.
Definitely makes sense.
The other side asks a question. “Why is cussing so bad, if they’re just words?”
I guess I can see both sides.
Let me know if there are other sides on this that I’m missing.
Starting in my twenties, I found myself saying words that I thought I’d never say. When I found myself cussing I felt something, though. It was either conviction or guilt, so I chose to try and stay away from those words. I still try to stay away from them, but I definitely slip from time to time. And I still feel that guilt. I don’t know if that’s God or my parent’s voice saying not to say those words that causes the guilt.
Anyways, cussing doesn’t seem to be a big deal these days to anyone, whether you call yourself a Christian or not. Maybe it’s just the people I hang around.
How do you feel about cussing?
For a long time growing up as a teenager, I struggled with cussing, it was bad. I would cuss out my parents, my friends, just about everyone I came in contact with. It was more because I was ticked off and I thought those words showed more emotion than without.
As I’ve gotten older and grown MUCH closer to Christ, I personally made the decision that there really is no reason for those words. The time that I was trying to stop cussing, I change the words, from f this to flibberty gibbit and b that to monkey doodle. Silly words have replaced cuss words so whenever I am upset or anger or stressed, whatever, after I spit out the silly words, I end up making myself laugh and others too.
I’ll admit that there are times that they still come out, but very very rarely.
For a long time growing up as a teenager, I struggled with cussing, it was bad. I would cuss out my parents, my friends, just about everyone I came in contact with. It was more because I was ticked off and I thought those words showed more emotion than without.
As I’ve gotten older and grown MUCH closer to Christ, I personally made the decision that there really is no reason for those words. The time that I was trying to stop cussing, I change the words, from f this to flibberty gibbit and b that to monkey doodle. Silly words have replaced cuss words so whenever I am upset or anger or stressed, whatever, after I spit out the silly words, I end up making myself laugh and others too.
I’ll admit that there are times that they still come out, but very very rarely.
On my Christian College campus, there are a lot of people who cuss because they think it’s funny or cool, and to me it seems like it’s taking advantage of God’s grace. They curse because they think there won’t be repercussions. No matter what you personally feel about cursing (whether it’s a-ok or terrible or in between), the world still views it with a negative connotation. So as Christians, we probably shouldn’t do it. (I am not perfect here, I grew up with parents that curse every other word and find myself cursing often).
On my Christian College campus, there are a lot of people who cuss because they think it’s funny or cool, and to me it seems like it’s taking advantage of God’s grace. They curse because they think there won’t be repercussions. No matter what you personally feel about cursing (whether it’s a-ok or terrible or in between), the world still views it with a negative connotation. So as Christians, we probably shouldn’t do it. (I am not perfect here, I grew up with parents that curse every other word and find myself cursing often).
I must say that I have cussed, however, I feel guilty about it all the time. I don’t do it much because it was not done in our house growing up. I don’t remember saying cuss words when my children were young but once they moved out then I said a word or 2. Sometimes I apologized and sometimes I didn’t. What I do find strange is when other people cuss around me it makes me sad and if someone should cuss at me it makes me cry. In any case I try very hard to abstain.
I must say that I have cussed, however, I feel guilty about it all the time. I don’t do it much because it was not done in our house growing up. I don’t remember saying cuss words when my children were young but once they moved out then I said a word or 2. Sometimes I apologized and sometimes I didn’t. What I do find strange is when other people cuss around me it makes me sad and if someone should cuss at me it makes me cry. In any case I try very hard to abstain.
There’s an interesting book about language by Steven Pinker called The Stuff Of Thought. One of the chapters is on profanity and is well worth the read, regrettably I loaned it to someone so I can’t reference it. But one part that stuck with me was about how certain words actually strike a deeper reaction from the brain. There is a deep part of our neurology that responds to certain “taboo” words. They disturb us in ways other words don’t. They *shock* on a level that is not just intellectual. So to say that the words are just words like any other words is not exactly true. There’s no denying that “poop” gets a different response than “sh**”. I think the main issue is one of concern for our fellow humans. Is it going to upset them? Are we being considerate and mature with our word choices? Civility is on a most definite decline, and our word choice as a society indicates that. I think we need to spend more time on *should* we swear rather than *can* we. And I think too that you might think it’s more of a big deal when your firstborn is old enough to talk. Hearing those words pop out of the mouth of a two year old can be a real eye-opener. 😉
There’s an interesting book about language by Steven Pinker called The Stuff Of Thought. One of the chapters is on profanity and is well worth the read, regrettably I loaned it to someone so I can’t reference it. But one part that stuck with me was about how certain words actually strike a deeper reaction from the brain. There is a deep part of our neurology that responds to certain “taboo” words. They disturb us in ways other words don’t. They *shock* on a level that is not just intellectual. So to say that the words are just words like any other words is not exactly true. There’s no denying that “poop” gets a different response than “sh**”. I think the main issue is one of concern for our fellow humans. Is it going to upset them? Are we being considerate and mature with our word choices? Civility is on a most definite decline, and our word choice as a society indicates that. I think we need to spend more time on *should* we swear rather than *can* we. And I think too that you might think it’s more of a big deal when your firstborn is old enough to talk. Hearing those words pop out of the mouth of a two year old can be a real eye-opener. 😉
I cuss because I cuss. I don’t do it for attention. I just do it when it comes out. It’s not some premeditated thing I plan on doing but sometimes the emotion is too high and cussing is the only thing that describes the emotion. And I am totally ok with that. I think they are just words that are defined by people. But i speak the same talking to a pastor as I do my close friends….
I cuss because I cuss. I don’t do it for attention. I just do it when it comes out. It’s not some premeditated thing I plan on doing but sometimes the emotion is too high and cussing is the only thing that describes the emotion. And I am totally ok with that. I think they are just words that are defined by people. But i speak the same talking to a pastor as I do my close friends….
Clarification: I know you didn’t say they were just words – but many people do. Also, you didn’t actually say that you yourself think it’s no big deal – my bad. I was skimming.
Clarification: I know you didn’t say they were just words – but many people do. Also, you didn’t actually say that you yourself think it’s no big deal – my bad. I was skimming.
I’m glad you separated guilt and conviction, because I think many people feel guilty about things they shouldn’t.
It depends on the context of cuss words — if you drop a large stone on your foot and you say, “sh*t!” You should not be beating yourself up about ‘letting it slip’ when what’s really slipping is the blood from your toe and you need hospitalization.
Again, it depends on the context. Saying, “you piece of sh*t,” is actually cursing, which is not right. I do not believe a simple expression of frustration via “damn” or “sh*t” is wrong (that is simply my opinion, though).
What needs to be certain is that EVERYTHING we say, not just certain words, should be aimed at godliness (Ephesians 4:29 sums it up wonderfully). I know some people who are too legalistic to ever slip out a cuss word, but their judgment and mean remarks can be much more foul than any cuss word any day.
I’m glad you separated guilt and conviction, because I think many people feel guilty about things they shouldn’t.
It depends on the context of cuss words — if you drop a large stone on your foot and you say, “sh*t!” You should not be beating yourself up about ‘letting it slip’ when what’s really slipping is the blood from your toe and you need hospitalization.
Again, it depends on the context. Saying, “you piece of sh*t,” is actually cursing, which is not right. I do not believe a simple expression of frustration via “damn” or “sh*t” is wrong (that is simply my opinion, though).
What needs to be certain is that EVERYTHING we say, not just certain words, should be aimed at godliness (Ephesians 4:29 sums it up wonderfully). I know some people who are too legalistic to ever slip out a cuss word, but their judgment and mean remarks can be much more foul than any cuss word any day. Also, Romans 14:13-23 makes it clear we should be considerate of others in how we talk and act.
Nice bleepin’ post!
Sorry, had to get that out of my system. I think it was Mark Twain that said something along the lines of people use profanity because they aren’t smart enough to come up with anything else to say. I’ve always tried to live by that (for the most part).
I would love to know who made up the list of cuss words. I remember when words use to be considered swear words but now are ok. I have yet to see a list in the Bible of a complete list of banned words.
And since you’re on this subject, it’s amazing how as parents you watch movies with your kids and those words are amplified. We watched the original Karate Kid with our boys for the first time and I found myself saying, “Daniel did no just say that! Did he?”
In conclusion to this never-ending comment. There are times I say some of those words on that uh-oh list but in general I try to come up with something better to say.
Nice bleepin’ post!
Sorry, had to get that out of my system. I think it was Mark Twain that said something along the lines of people use profanity because they aren’t smart enough to come up with anything else to say. I’ve always tried to live by that (for the most part).
I would love to know who made up the list of cuss words. I remember when words use to be considered swear words but now are ok. I have yet to see a list in the Bible of a complete list of banned words.
And since you’re on this subject, it’s amazing how as parents you watch movies with your kids and those words are amplified. We watched the original Karate Kid with our boys for the first time and I found myself saying, “Daniel did no just say that! Did he?”
In conclusion to this never-ending comment. There are times I say some of those words on that uh-oh list but in general I try to come up with something better to say.
Galatians 5.1-12
“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
“Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Once again I testify to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the entire law. You who want to be justified by the law have cut yourselves off from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love.
“You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? Such persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. I am confident about you in the Lord that you will not think otherwise. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. But my friends, why am I still being persecuted if I am still preaching circumcision? In that case the offence of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would castrate themselves! ”
How much of that preceding passage makes reference to “cutting off”? That repeated reference is, at the very least, a humorous way to get the point across about being circumcised. It is not accidental. While maybe not cussing in the way commonly thought of today, it is in the same vein.
Actually, what is cussing?
Seriously.
Think about that for a moment.
In the Bible, to curse is the opposite to bless. Words have power, particularly according to the Bible. To bless someone was to wish that person well with the intent of it happening. To curse someone was to wish that person ill with the intent of it happening.
With the intent of it happening.
When we curse, do we mean what we say? Is giving the middle finger salute a way of saying you want to rape someone? This is what Ephesians 4 is about. Having it roll off the tongue makes language meaningless, as if it could be.
That being said, we all feel anger with a lack of power at times, be it at people or situations. At times, some things truly are damnable.
So, what are we doing in our personal lives? Does “cuss” relate to “curse” as “darn” relate is to “damn”?
Is saying saying something is “bullshit” the same level to “damn it”?
How does using astericks change the meaning and importance of what you type on a web page?
I intentionally did not use a four letter word referring to sexual intercourse above simply because the word still carries the connotation of violence with some people. This is a point where I start drawing lines.
An interesting personal tidbit is that I rarely “flip off” someone. On those extremely rare occasions (at most, once or twice a year), it is clearly a case where everyone is laughing about something, not when there is anger involved. On the other hand, I find that I can flip off a computer screen when a computer program causes me problems with ease and with speed.
Galatians 5.1-12
“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
“Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Once again I testify to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the entire law. You who want to be justified by the law have cut yourselves off from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love.
“You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? Such persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. I am confident about you in the Lord that you will not think otherwise. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. But my friends, why am I still being persecuted if I am still preaching circumcision? In that case the offence of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would castrate themselves! ”
How much of that preceding passage makes reference to “cutting off”? That repeated reference is, at the very least, a humorous way to get the point across about being circumcised. It is not accidental. While maybe not cussing in the way commonly thought of today, it is in the same vein.
Actually, what is cussing?
Seriously.
Think about that for a moment.
In the Bible, to curse is the opposite to bless. Words have power, particularly according to the Bible. To bless someone was to wish that person well with the intent of it happening. To curse someone was to wish that person ill with the intent of it happening.
With the intent of it happening.
When we curse, do we mean what we say? Is giving the middle finger salute a way of saying you want to rape someone? This is what Ephesians 4 is about. Having it roll off the tongue makes language meaningless, as if it could be.
That being said, we all feel anger with a lack of power at times, be it at people or situations. At times, some things truly are damnable.
So, what are we doing in our personal lives? Does “cuss” relate to “curse” as “darn” relate is to “damn”?
Is saying saying something is “bullshit” the same level to “damn it”?
How does using astericks change the meaning and importance of what you type on a web page?
I intentionally did not use a four letter word referring to sexual intercourse above simply because the word still carries the connotation of violence with some people. This is a point where I start drawing lines.
An interesting personal tidbit is that I rarely “flip off” someone. On those extremely rare occasions (at most, once or twice a year), it is clearly a case where everyone is laughing about something, not when there is anger involved. On the other hand, I find that I can flip off a computer screen when a computer program causes me problems with ease and with speed.
well I grew up hearing about not cussing too so we came up with imaginitive ways to exspress our same feelings witch was fun, like calling someone a knock kneed, bowl legged, sun of a bugger, most kids didn’t know how to take that. & i can relate to what you were saying about your gran to becuse my mom told my cousen tables are for glasses, not little girls asses & everybody busted becuse that wasn’t something we were used to, over the yrs I have picked up a fairly bad potty mouth exspeshly when exsteamly frustrated. I do try to wach it some just becuse i’m a deacon & am around alot of baby or non christions that don’t quite know how to handle a leader of the church throwing around exsplanitives, but my long held & personal belefes are theres a big differnce between cussing & cursing. cussing is useing the little exsplanitives that may be deemed inaproprite out of context,( damn, shit, bitch ext) but cursing is what the bible speaks derectly about, & many Christions are very guilty of, those are words like (fool, idiot, louser, reject ext) there is a very exspliset scripter to never calling a man a fool, theres not for calling him a a** h*** but still I do feel that you should not derect derogertory comment towards people but it’s not a sin to pop off a few chose words occanaly in frustration. personaly every time I hear some pieos Christion telling me to watch my mouth I ask them do you? do you make sure you never look down on someone or talk bad about them? intill you can say enphaticly yes, please get off my case for a lesser offence. hope this helped. PD
well I grew up hearing about not cussing too so we came up with imaginitive ways to exspress our same feelings witch was fun, like calling someone a knock kneed, bowl legged, sun of a bugger, most kids didn’t know how to take that. & i can relate to what you were saying about your gran to becuse my mom told my cousen tables are for glasses, not little girls asses & everybody busted becuse that wasn’t something we were used to, over the yrs I have picked up a fairly bad potty mouth exspeshly when exsteamly frustrated. I do try to wach it some just becuse i’m a deacon & am around alot of baby or non christions that don’t quite know how to handle a leader of the church throwing around exsplanitives, but my long held & personal belefes are theres a big differnce between cussing & cursing. cussing is useing the little exsplanitives that may be deemed inaproprite out of context,( damn, shit, bitch ext) but cursing is what the bible speaks derectly about, & many Christions are very guilty of, those are words like (fool, idiot, louser, reject ext) there is a very exspliset scripter to never calling a man a fool, theres not for calling him a a** h*** but still I do feel that you should not derect derogertory comment towards people but it’s not a sin to pop off a few chose words occanaly in frustration. personaly every time I hear some pieos Christion telling me to watch my mouth I ask them do you? do you make sure you never look down on someone or talk bad about them? intill you can say enphaticly yes, please get off my case for a lesser offence. hope this helped. PD