QUESTION **Are There Humanist Rules Regarding Foul Language?**
I asked about this issue when I first joined the group. It seems to come up every so often. Here is another recent take. I especially like the part about: ”And although expletives can be a great way to express oneself and release tension, overdoing it can dilute its potency. Moderation is a good thing to exercise along with those charged words. So go ahead and enjoy your da-n cursing the humanist way: within reason.” A caveat I added was that certain words with sexual connotations are best used for just that.
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No, we are not a united group with rules. I like your philosophy. Save your F*** 's until you need them, like for when the lawn mowers doesn't start or you your stub your toe.
alanalorie
Level 7
Feb 28, 2018
1
I have mentioned this before and it always get's a surprise. Save your sexual words for sex. There they can actually have a positive effect!
I think gratuitous use of swear words diminishes their effectiveness. And in the wrong setting can just be uncalled for. But a well used swear word can add weight and gravitas (of a sorts) it's like comedy really, timing and delivery. I was tempted to end with a swear a word but I won't, so bollocks to you 
ipdg77
Level 8
Feb 27, 2018
3
I didn't know it was an issue. Why have innocuous things suddenly become big problems?
Melbates
Level 7
Feb 26, 2018
0
I don't see it as an issue just a comment. To me a person's vocabulary is a reflection of a persons intelligence. Swear words do not diminish that view but I feel, like with everything else excessive use can reflect poorly. For me it is the words themselves, the reason and frequency used.
I wrote about this when I joined. While in the military I discovered more and more becoming a part of the mob and decided my language use was mine alone and I would try and be more thoughtful in my words. Apparently, the study by the Humanist showed I am not alone in my thinking.
@JackPedigo I wasn't intending to come across as accusatory. I majored in English and Journalism at University. Words are my thing. "Foul language" doesn't seem to be an issue, in my mind. I edit myself when around certain people/groups, out of respect. But, it's proven that a "foul" vocabulary is a stress reliever and also indicative of higher intelligence.
@JackPedigo so, just curious, Jack, if you think swearing is related to intelligence, do you think that people like George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Bill Maher, John Oliver, Lewis Black, Jim Jeffries, Redd Foxx, etc., etc., are/were not intelligent people?
Please retread my comment. The usual problem of communication is present. Btw I could also list a number of intelligent people who don't feel the need to use crudités in their language. @Condor5
Fuckin' swear words used to be "magic" "curse" words. Taboo religious shit IMHO.
BobMcDowell
Level 6
Feb 26, 2018
0
I dislike the gratuitous use of swear words, but I enjoy their effective use in conversation. Especially their ability to add emphasis and disrupt passivity in conversation, Their selective use gives conversations an emotional range which would be difficult to achieve otherwise.
cava
Level 7
Feb 26, 2018
5
My personal philosophy is that I will tolerate general use swear words like:
damn, fuck, shit
unless you are saying them in an inappropriate setting for them like a school etc.
I will speak out against swear words that are generally attributed to a demographic:
Bitch, bastard, fagot etc.
Myah
Level 6
Feb 26, 2018
4
Bring offended by curse words is a sign of low intelligence. 
JeffB
Level 6
Feb 26, 2018
2
I am not offended but sometimes disappointed and certainly not impressed.
@JackPedigo it was just a joke. I think people need to be appropriate to the situation. But I grew up around working class southerns... If I'm relaxed around a person, I'll probably curse without thinking about it.
When I am not hanging around other veterans, I can be quite elegant in my speech, safe enough for any church or school.
Get me around my brother and sister vets ? Yeah, not so farging much LOL
KynthiaAlice
Level 4
Feb 26, 2018
4
Using foul language is an automatic ticket to Hell.
GeorgeRocheleau
Level 8
Feb 26, 2018
3
First class or coach?
@jeffy Next to the crying baby.
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