There's a famous paper by Quang Phuc Dong "English Sentences without overt Grammatical Subject" proving that f*ck is not a verb but an epithet, linguistically. The actual rule on swearing is that you need permission, in particular it's okay around friends but rude in assuming you have permission elsewhere. It's assuming familiarity when there isn't familiarity. The asterisk acknowledges lack of familiarity.
It strikes me that “f*ck” vs “fuck” is similar to “color” vs “colour.” In both cases it is in fact the same word, but there are different expectations around how to express it. Both of them are symbols with the same referent, but the symbols themselves are slightly different. Same with translating a word between languages. A set of symbols is the same word just in case it has the same generally accepted meaning. But the way we express ideas can produce different reactions even if we use the same words to do so. Even different emphasis or tone on our words can produce a different meaning. So it’s not especially weird that the same word could produce different reactions if expressed differently.
Most popular last words on cockpit voice recorders, "Oh sh*t." Swearing doesn't come from normal linguistic centers, and Tourette's syndrome is loss of control of that origin.
There's a famous paper by Quang Phuc Dong "English Sentences without overt Grammatical Subject" proving that f*ck is not a verb but an epithet, linguistically.
The actual rule on swearing is that you need permission, in particular it's okay around friends but rude in assuming you have permission elsewhere. It's assuming familiarity when there isn't familiarity. The asterisk acknowledges lack of familiarity.
That was a lot of fucking fun. Thanks for having me as a guest host!
It strikes me that “f*ck” vs “fuck” is similar to “color” vs “colour.” In both cases it is in fact the same word, but there are different expectations around how to express it. Both of them are symbols with the same referent, but the symbols themselves are slightly different. Same with translating a word between languages. A set of symbols is the same word just in case it has the same generally accepted meaning.
But the way we express ideas can produce different reactions even if we use the same words to do so. Even different emphasis or tone on our words can produce a different meaning. So it’s not especially weird that the same word could produce different reactions if expressed differently.
Most popular last words on cockpit voice recorders, "Oh sh*t." Swearing doesn't come from normal linguistic centers, and Tourette's syndrome is loss of control of that origin.
Offence cannot be given. Offence can only be taken.
That’s why we say “take offence”.
Offence is completely subjective.
Good stuff, thanks.
She's intelligent, nice-looking, and she says fuck. I love women who say fuck with an educated accent. ❤
f**k this was interesting
F*rst
I effing love swearing but good grief this was boring!