Holy F*cking F*ck F*ck F*ck. We are screwed!!!
This topic contains 18 replies, has 7 voices, and was last updated by 
Unseen 11 months, 2 weeks ago.
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Hi! I won’t pay attention to you if you swear every other word that comes out of your mouth.
I’ll say “noted”, but since there’s no policy against it here, and objections are rare (if I ever even saw one in several years), I don’t think there’s a remedy. Personally, I only curse sparingly, because I feel it loses impact when used excessively… but I am just speaking for myself. The culture I live in varies by person in opinion and practice.
And all those asterisks in the title!? They seem to increase the impact for me, not diminish it. Same goes for a lot of euphemisms… when one knows what the euphemism is normally used to replace, sometimes the thought of the replaced word kinda emphasizes its impact, at least for me. On the other hand, euphemisms can sometimes be a sincere attempt to reduce the impact.
Like the word “bloody” in British culture, I never learned why it is or was considered unacceptable to use. And I know a New Zealander who often pointed out how use of the word “fanny” offended her, in accordance with her culture’s language norms.
I think f*ck is not even a curse word in some cultures. I used ChatGPT to summarize use of the word around the world, because I’m lazy and didn’t want to double-check several resources online. ChatGPT only knows what online resources around the world say, so by nature, it responds without prejudice, although it can invent some responses when data is lacking. I don’t think the data is lacking, in this case. ChatGPT is, after all, a “Large Language Model”, as deep analysis of language and written material is its primary function. I’m sure that up-and-coming linguists love it.
ChatGPT: In some cultures and contexts, the use of strong profanity like “[f-word]” may be less offensive or more socially acceptable than in others. Additionally, attitudes toward profanity can change over time and may differ among different generations within the same culture.
NOW, at the level of understanding human nature, I had to ask it the following question, because I feel that understanding Tourette Syndrome causing spontaneous bursts of cursing in some people might shed some light on its neurophysiological aspects.
ME: is there any scientific, linguistic study on how the brain processes curses in language? e.g. are there any prominent theories supported with data wrt why curse words have emotional impact?
ChatGPT: Yes, there has been scientific research into how the brain processes and responds to curse words and strong language. While it’s a complex and multi-faceted topic, researchers have made some interesting findings. Here are a few key points:
- Emotional Impact: Studies have shown that curse words often evoke strong emotional reactions. This is because they are often linked to emotional centers in the brain, particularly the amygdala. When we hear or use strong language, it can trigger the brain’s emotional response system, leading to heightened emotional states.
- Pain Relief: Surprisingly, there is evidence that swearing can actually provide a form of pain relief. When people swear in response to pain (such as hitting their thumb with a hammer), it has been shown to increase pain tolerance and reduce the perception of pain. This effect is thought to be related to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, triggered by swearing.
- Language Processing: The brain appears to process strong language differently than other forms of speech. Some research suggests that curse words are often stored in a separate part of the brain from regular vocabulary. This is why people with certain forms of brain damage may lose the ability to speak coherently but can still use strong language.
- Social and Cultural Factors: The impact of curse words can also be influenced by social and cultural factors. What is considered offensive in one culture may not be in another. Additionally, the context in which a curse word is used matters greatly. In some contexts, strong language can be a form of bonding or humor, while in others, it can be highly offensive.
- Swearing as a Coping Mechanism: Some research suggests that swearing can serve as a coping mechanism for dealing with stress or frustration. It can provide a way to vent strong emotions or express anger.
Overall, while there is scientific research on how the brain processes strong language and why curse words have emotional impact, it’s a complex and evolving field of study. The impact of strong language is influenced by a combination of neurological, psychological, social, and cultural factors, making it a rich area of inquiry for researchers in linguistics, psychology, and neuroscience.
Well dangit, dabnabbit, heck! Why was Tourette Syndrome not even mentioned? I’m going to get to the bottom of this topic about cursing, eventually.
ME: I believe that research into Tourette Syndrome should shed some light on this, too?
ChatGPT: You are absolutely correct. Research into Tourette Syndrome can provide valuable insights into the understanding of strong language and its neural processing. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. In some cases, these vocalizations can involve the use of strong language, including curse words (known as coprolalia).
Studies of Tourette Syndrome have contributed to our understanding of how the brain generates language and controls speech. Here are some insights that research on Tourette Syndrome has provided:
- Involuntary Nature: Tourette tics, including coprolalia, are involuntary. This suggests that there are distinct neural pathways and mechanisms that govern the production of strong language, separate from voluntary speech.
- Role of the Basal Ganglia: The basal ganglia, a group of nuclei in the brain, is thought to play a key role in Tourette Syndrome. Abnormalities in the basal ganglia have been associated with tics and coprolalia. Understanding these neural circuits can help researchers understand the production of strong language.
- Neurological Regulation: Research on Tourette’s has shed light on how the brain regulates the expression of language, particularly strong language. It highlights the complex interplay between different brain regions involved in speech production and inhibition.
- Social and Stigmatization Aspects: Tourette’s research also examines the social and stigmatization aspects of strong language. People with coprolalia often face social challenges due to the involuntary use of strong language, and this has implications for how society views and responds to strong language in general.
While Tourette Syndrome is a specific disorder, the insights gained from studying it can inform our broader understanding of language processing, the neural mechanisms behind strong language, and the complex interplay between involuntary and voluntary aspects of speech. This research has implications not only for individuals with Tourette’s but also for our understanding of how strong language is generated and processed in the brain.
OMG, goosebumps, I knew it! But coprolalia, that’s a new word for me. Doesn’t that have something to do with archeology?
ME: etymology of coprolalia?
ChatGPT: The term “coprolalia” has its roots in Greek etymology:
- Kopros (κόπρος): In Greek, “kopros” means “dung” or “feces.”
- Lalia (λαλία): “Lalia” means “speech” or “talk.”
So, when you combine these Greek elements, “coprolalia” literally means “fecal speech” or “speaking in a foul or obscene manner,” which accurately describes the symptom of involuntary outbursts of inappropriate or vulgar language associated with certain neurological conditions like Tourette Syndrome.
Some readers may be expecting me to curse, just for fun. Well, you guys are out of luck. I’m just not that kind of guy. My Irish/German mother would kill me, if she were bloody still here.
ME: what words can be used to kinda comically curse, that won’t actually offend people?
ChatGPT: Comically cursing, also known as “minced oaths” or “light-hearted profanity,” involves using words or phrases that sound like strong language but are not actually offensive. These can be a fun and playful way to express frustration or surprise without causing offense. Here are some examples:
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Darn or Darn it: A mild substitute for “damn.”
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Gosh: A playful alternative to “God.”
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Heck: A light-hearted version of “hell.”
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Jeepers: A comical way to express surprise.
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Fudge: A whimsical stand-in for a stronger f-word.
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Gee whiz: An old-fashioned expression of wonder or amazement.
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Holy cow: A humorous way to show astonishment.
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Jeez or Geez: A playful version of “Jesus.”
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Sugar: A sweet substitute for a stronger s-word.
Oh, thank FSM for not spelling out the f-word and the s-word. And for not even mentioning the N-word, or the C-word or its step-sister the P-word. But one phrase I’m particularly interested in is missing.
ME: how about “shut the front door”?ChatGPT: “Shut the front door!” is an example of a playful and comical way to express surprise or astonishment without using offensive language. It’s a humorous substitute for a stronger phrase that includes a similar sounding word but is not meant to be offensive. This type of phrase is often used to add humor to a situation and is generally unlikely to offend people. However, as with any language, it’s essential to consider the context and your audience to ensure that your choice of words is appropriate for the situation.I wanted to give ChatGPT a final test for sense of humor. I said (paraphrasing here):thank you soooo f-word-ing much for enlightening me in this chat!I did not spell it like you see above. But it didn’t fall for it. It just gave me its typical, canned response.(Kinda sorry for the poor formatting in the bullet points that look weird in the quote block. There’s a trick to properly copying bullet pointed and other kinds of formating, which I forgot to apply.)-
This reply was modified 11 months, 2 weeks ago by
PopeBeanie. Reason: chg'd sister to step-sister to add some distance
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