Swearing has become very commonplace; however, even though it is quite common, there are reasons to stop swearing. When you were a little kid you would be punished for swearing as it was considered to be very bad. Yet, somewhere between childhood and adulthood swearing became more acceptable, and you probably started to swear more. However, swearing isn’t something you should make an everyday habit of, and there are reasons to stop swearing.
1. Hinders Communication
One of the reasons to stop swearing is that it hinders communication. Throwing out a bunch of swear words when you are angry or frustrated doesn’t let people know what is wrong. It only lets people know that you are upset. Because swearing does hinder communication, it is much better to avoid swear words and express what is really bothering you.
2. There Are Better Ways to Express Yourself
As previously pointed out, swearing is not the best way to communicate. It is much better to express your feelings clearly. For example, if you are angry at someone, don’t swear at them. Instead, tell them what made you angry and why it made you angry. Communicating clearly like this allows people to understand your feelings much better.
3. Makes People Defensive
When you swear at someone, you automatically put them on the defensive. They feel like you are attacking them. As a result, they might start yelling and swearing as well. Obviously, no one wants to be in a yelling match, which generally causes hurt feelings. To prevent this from happening, try to avoid swearing at people when you are angry. If you don’t swear, others are much less likely to feel defensive.
4. Inappropriate for Children
Another reason you shouldn’t swear is because it is inappropriate for children to hear. No one wants their five year old to be swearing, but when people swear around children, those children tend to pick up the swear words. If you don’t want the kids in your family swearing, it is best not to swear yourself.
5. Inappropriate for Work or School
Swearing isn’t just inappropriate for kids, it is also inappropriate to swear while you are at work and school. Work and school are both professional settings where you want people to respect you. Swearing isn’t very professional, and it is often frowned upon. To make sure you don’t swear at work or school, it is best not swear in general since swearing can become a habit.
6. Limits Vocabulary
While having a good vocabulary may only seem like it is important for the SATs, it is also important for communication. The more words you can use, the better you can convey your thoughts and feelings. When you swear, you are greatly limiting your vocabulary, and there are always other words that you can use to express your feelings.
7. Not Very Classy
Let’s face it, swearing just isn’t very classy. Can you imagine Jackie Kennedy swearing? Maybe she swore on occasion, but it is very difficult to imagine swear words coming from her mouth. By not swearing you can project sophistication and class, both of which can help you earn the respect of others.
As you go through your daily life, you probably hear swear words on multiple occasions. However, swearing isn’t something you should get into the habit of doing, because it really does limit how you express yourself. Do you swear often?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I stop swearing?
- Well, it can make you sound more respectful and considerate towards others. Plus, it often helps in maintaining a positive and calm environment.
- Is swearing really that harmful?
- It might not seem like a big deal, but constant swearing can actually impact your relationships and how people perceive you. It can also elevate stress and anger.
- What are the benefits of not swearing?
- Not swearing can improve your communication skills, make you seem more intelligent and trustworthy, and even help you handle anger or frustration better.
- How does swearing affect others?
- Swearing can offend or hurt other people's feelings, and might even disrespect their values or beliefs. It’s important to be mindful of how our words affect those around us.
- Is swearing seen negatively in religious contexts?
- Yes, in many religions, swearing is frowned upon as it’s seen as disrespectful and sinful. It's often advised to keep language clean to respect those beliefs.