Posted by alexandra_k on September 21, 2004, at 17:21:23
In reply to What the f*ck?!, posted by alexandra_k on September 20, 2004, at 17:58:37
I think that in some contexts swearing may have the functions that the study suggests, though if someone considered that because they like me it is okay for them to call me a 'dumb b*tch' I might call them a 'stupid arrogant f*ck' just to return the favour. I don't see how that kind of name calling can be viewed as supportive except by people who don't know any different. And I am inclined to think (though perhaps this is arrogant) that if they did know different they wouldn't think it was supportive or acceptable. It is the sort of thing that can be taken personally and damage and hurt people emotionally.
It may be more accepted as a chummy thing to do in a soap factory, or in the armed services, and perhaps in other contexts, but I'd like to see how my supervisor or workmates would respond to that one in a university context. Maybe I should have a wander down the hall to the linguistics department...
There is something expressive about 'f*ck' that can't be captured adequately by alternative means of expression. I think, however, that it is so effective because it is suprising and in a way 'shocking'. It loses its affectiveness if we overdo it.
poster:alexandra_k
thread:393088
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040914/msgs/393418.html