General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I'm confused by people who are offended by swear words. [View all]dumbcat
(2,120 posts)it has more to do with social class and structure than with the meanings of words.
When I grew up in the 1950's we were taught that only the lower educated members of the lower socio-economic classes used swear words and vulgarity. In my home and other of my family it was never tolerated. And my dad was a house painter/wallpaper hanger, and we weren't very high in the social classes ourselves.
It was the same with tattoos. Back then only roughnecks and sailors had them, and to have was exposed was definitely a sign of lower class. Even today, when it is more accepted and called "body art" I still flinch every time I see a tattoo, especially on young women. I have to be very careful around my son's wife not to flinch when I see hers. I know times have changed, and she did two tours in Iraq, and is a very nice person. But it still screams lower class to me, and I doubt I will be able to change before I die.
Luckily, my social circle is comprised mostly of people that feel like me. Mostly retired military officers or business executive. I haven't heard a vulgarity like a "fuck" or "shit" in a face to face conversation in years, if not decades. Occasionally a "damn" or something will slip out, but that is not considered lower class in my circle.
Damn, I must be old.