Will you kids quit fucking around? Shut the fuck up!

[Guest]

. . . .

 

[MagicaPractica]

Honestly, I think it's the intent behind the words that is most important. The only cuss my father said when he was angry was "horsefeathers!" but the intent behind the words had me quaking in my shoes.

I think part of the problem with parents who say things like you heard repeatedly is that they aren't really disciplining their children. Their children know they can get away with whatever they are doing, hence the parents keep repeating themselves and it has no effect. It's just background noise.

The language itself might shock me, depending on what is filtering through my senses. I use it myself but mostly only when I'm alone and if I am frustrated. I know how to curb my language in front of others.

I believe that children should be dealt with firmly, but gently and disciplined sternly but lovingly. I have a tone of voice that I use in discipling that they know brooks no argument, and I follow through with my discipline so that they know where the line is.

 

[Gizzmotick]

I have a tone of voice that I use in discipling that they know brooks no argument, and I follow through with my discipline so that they know where the line is.

That right there is the key to just about ANY kind of discipline. If you get known for empty threats, then you will be walked on. Carry out the consequences that you promise, and word spreads quickly.

 

[lisa123414]

I used to work with SEALs (if I told you what I did, I would have to kill you.) In any case I learned a whole lot of new words; it took several years to break myself of that habit. A co-worker finally took me aside and told me that the blue language detracted from what I was saying.

At the time I did not happily receive the comment, to be honest, it was humiliating, but eventually learned that, like Boota, being soft-spoken tends to draw attention, well, to be truthful, with sailors it’s a matter of being soft-spoken in heels.

As for Wallyworld, I think everyone has been there at some time, for some reason or another. It is certainly my choice when I need carrots, computer paper, socks, and windshield wiper blades.

Have to add – Imp and Sarah, darn it! I can hardly think straight enough to write, ‘cause my mind keeps wandering, wondering what would happen if Boota has to tell you “stop that” twice.

Okay, maybe it's your fault Boota - "Stop that!"

 

[timmy65]

Interesting

I never heard my father use the f word till the windscreen wiper failed inFrance and he could not fix it. I spent 3 years in Australia, in the bush whwere it was used three times a sentence, and sometimes between syllables, but I somehow cannot use it myself unless I am planning on having one.

 

[impressive]

I have a tone of voice that I use in discipling that they know brooks no argument, and I follow through with my discipline so that they know where the line is.

*shiver*

 

[MagicaPractica]

*shiver*

You should have seen the Mormon boys run when I said, "No, thank you."

 

[alyxen]

Why is 'cussing' bad to begin with? Outside of taking the lord's name in vain (if you are religious), what difference does the letter combination you choose to express your thought make? If your thought is identical, why is 'crap' OK, but 'shit' is swearing and wrong?

Always seemed odd that just because someone, somewhere decided certain words were bad, they are.

Before I get flamed, I do also believe one shouldn't infringe on other folks decisions in public, so I don't 'swear' in front of kids. Just always seemed inane to me.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

You know me to well.

I've always liked the part that went over the fence last, best, so I'll stand real close.

Obviously a man of taste and good breeding. Favorite view of mine, too, and they feel soooooo good.

 

[sr71plt]

Why is 'cussing' bad to begin with? Outside of taking the lord's name in vain (if you are religious), what difference does the letter combination you choose to express your thought make? If your thought is identical, why is 'crap' OK, but 'shit' is swearing and wrong?

Always seemed odd that just because someone, somewhere decided certain words were bad, they are.

Before I get flamed, I do also believe one shouldn't infringe on other folks decisions in public, so I don't 'swear' in front of kids. Just always seemed inane to me.

It's bad to begin with because it shows that your language ability is limited. There are, of course, circumstances in which a four-letter word is just exactly the right word to use. But when you have to use one in every third word position (just like using "um," "uh," "ya know," "like," or "dude"), it shows that your vocabulary can't keep up with your thoughts and with your need to express them. It also can show that you can't control yourself and/or are insensitive to the situation.

 

[cloudy]

Why is 'cussing' bad to begin with? Outside of taking the lord's name in vain (if you are religious), what difference does the letter combination you choose to express your thought make? If your thought is identical, why is 'crap' OK, but 'shit' is swearing and wrong?

Always seemed odd that just because someone, somewhere decided certain words were bad, they are.

Before I get flamed, I do also believe one shouldn't infringe on other folks decisions in public, so I don't 'swear' in front of kids. Just always seemed inane to me.

I agree. They're just words, like any others.

 

[cloudy]

It's bad to begin with because it shows that your language ability is limited. There are, of course, circumstances in which a four-letter word is just exactly the right word to use. But when you have to use one in every third word position (just like using "um," "uh," "ya know," "like," or "dude"), it shows that your vocabulary can't keep up with your thoughts and with your need to express them. It also can show that you can't control yourself and/or are insensitive to the situation.

Bullshit.

See above. They're words, just like any other words. Simply because you, or the innocuous "they," have decided that certain words are "cuss words" doesn't mean that my vocabulary is limited. That's an argument used by the small-minded to bolster their much needed feelings of superiority.

I can "cuss" in four languages, maybe five if I have time to think about it, and I guarantee that my english vocabulary is just as extensive as yours or anyone else's.

 

[slyc_willie]

It's bad to begin with because it shows that your language ability is limited. There are, of course, circumstances in which a four-letter word is just exactly the right word to use. But when you have to use one in every third word position (just like using "um," "uh," "ya know," "like," or "dude"), it shows that your vocabulary can't keep up with your thoughts and with your need to express them. It also can show that you can't control yourself and/or are insensitive to the situation.

I agree. They're just words, like any others.

Two sides of the argument. Both valid, as far as I'm concerned. I have a pretty well-rounded vocabulary, but fuck me when I get riled up. I shoot off the four-letter bullets as fast as I can pull the vocal trigger. There's a certain sense of satisfaction (not really sure, why; it's just there) when the words 'fuck' and 'asshole' leave my lips.

However, I don't swear when I know there are kids around. That harkens back to a code of personal ethics, I think. Better to let the little brats learn the colorful metaphors of the English language in tried and true fashion: the halls of middle school.

 

[sr71plt]

Bullshit.

See above. They're words, just like any other words. Simply because you, or the innocuous "they," have decided that certain words are "cuss words" doesn't mean that my vocabulary is limited. That's an argument used by the small-minded toreinforce their feelings of superiority/deal with their inferiority complexes.


I can "cuss" in four languages, maybe five if I have time to think about it, and I guarantee that my english vocabulary is just as extensive as yours or anyone else's.

Yes, I know that's how you feel. That's why you come across as you do (which, of course, some think is cute. Just like the way we enjoy episodes of My Name Is Earl).

And Slyc, blasting off in four-letter words when you get riled falls into my "when you lose control." Which brings us back to Cloudy.

 

[cloudy]

Yes, I know that's how you feel. That's why you come across as you do (which, of course, some think is cute. Just like the way we enjoy episodes of My Name Is Earl).

And Slyc, blasting off in four-letter words when you get riled falls into my "when you lose control." Which brings us back to Cloudy.

Darling, I wasn't even close to losing control.

Don't flatter yourself.

 

[Guest]

. . . .

 

[slyc_willie]

And Slyc, blasting off in four-letter words when you get riled falls into my "when you lose control."

Yes, I caught that. I was being general. But there are differing degrees of "losing control."

I think that's only part of why this bothered me so much.

It wasn't just the swearing in front of the kids - well, not in front of, constantly directed towards.

It was the anger in the curses that was so disturbing.

That would bother me, too. I guess that's the conservative side of me. When I become a parent (and I have a feeling it may be in the relatively near future), I can honestly say I won't be letting the four-letter words fly as much as they have in the past. Of course, I've gained a measure of self-control with age.

 

[Misty_Morning]

.....

 

[slyc_willie]

Seen it, and unfortunately have been on the receiving end as a child.

It's called verbal abuse. But it goes beyond that.

The good thing is...I don't witness it as often as I used to.

But when I do...I am filled with rage and a few times have had to voice my opinion.

You can only guess the response.

Ironic, isn't it?

 

[sr71plt]

Ironic, isn't it?

Yep, it sure is. And that's what would disturb me too in seeing it used on kids by a parent in a store. Lack of personal control--and where that can lead. (Although I can certainly understand how a parent can get to a frustration point that is one match short of an explosion).

 

[slyc_willie]

Yep, it sure is. And that's what would disturb me too in seeing it used on kids by a parent in a store. Lack of personal control--and where that can lead. (Although I can certainly understand how a parent can get to a frustration point that is one match short of an explosion).

Despite being a career alcoholic, I have to hand it to my mother for holding her tongue. By all accounts, she had quite the mouth when she was in her teens and twenties. But the only time I ever caught it was when I was sixteen, and I crashed her car driving drunk.

Hearing my mother tell me "You're in real fucking trouble" was something I'll never forget. And boy, was she right.

 

[lisa123414]

I guess there are actually two separate things here, cussing, and losing control. Not the same thing. It’s the losing control around little ones that is bothersome. We should all be less self-centered than that.

There are times when the kids - of any age - can be annoying. It should take a whole lot to make us go beyond the pale, regardless of the words used.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

I guess there are actually two separate things here, cussing, and losing control. Not the same thing. It’s the losing control around little ones that is bothersome. We should all be less self-centered than that.

There are times when the kids - of any age - can be annoying. It should take a whole lot to make us go beyond the pale, regardless of the words used.

Tell me about it. They know when I take a deep breath and grit my teeth that it's time to chill out before teacher loses it completely. (Little do they know how coreographed that gesture really is! )

 

[slyc_willie]

I guess there are actually two separate things here, cussing, and losing control. Not the same thing. It’s the losing control around little ones that is bothersome. We should all be less self-centered than that.

There are times when the kids - of any age - can be annoying. It should take a whole lot to make us go beyond the pale, regardless of the words used.

I don't know if it's necessarily two different issues. Personally, I'd be just as uncomfortable hearing a parent yelling to an unruly child, "Shut the fuck up!" as I would be hearing the same parent respond to a child offering up a toy she wanted to buy and say, "Why the fuck would you want that?"

I suppose a good part of that squeamish feeling goes back to what sr71 mentioned about vocabulary and maturity (if I am misrepresenting him, my apologies). I think I would have a tendency to consider any parent who uses vulgarity casually to be a less educated, and possibly a more negative, influence upon their children.

 

[sr71plt]

Despite being a career alcoholic, I have to hand it to my mother for holding her tongue. By all accounts, she had quite the mouth when she was in her teens and twenties. But the only time I ever caught it was when I was sixteen, and I crashed her car driving drunk.

Hearing my mother tell me "You're in real fucking trouble" was something I'll never forget. And boy, was she right.

My father was an army general and my mother was his superior officer in the home. We children learned early on how to behave in public--and private. Physical force was rarely needed. And neither cussed in our presence--ever. They didn't have to.