I coworker walked into my office a few months ago and in the course of venting about something work-related, he swore. Immediately, a somewhat horrified look crossed his face and he apologized.
Last Friday night, I was walking to my car after an event with someone I’d just met. She swore (I actually didn’t even hear her) and immediately apologized.
I’ve had people assume that I lack a sense of humor until I say something totally outrageous in front of them. I guess that’s the vibe I give off, but I swear it’s just shyness and a little stoicism coupled with a very dry, sarcastic, and I guess you could say “British” sense of humor. (I’m not British, but I think I was in a former life.)
I grew up with parents who swore like sailors. I live with a sailor. I’ve been surrounded by people with fabulous senses of humor my entire life. An example: At a breakfast buffet a couple weeks ago, I was trying to figure out what I wanted to eat next. I’d already had probably more than I should have, but it was good food and I wanted more, darn it all! My aunt saw me looking around. I told her my dilemma. She immediately asked, in a very serious and high-brow tone, “Have you had anything from the doughnut group yet?”
In fact, I had not. So I grabbed a cheese Danish. It wasn’t very good.
I tend not to swear unless I’m really angry or I hurt myself. Even then, it’s usually under my breath or even in my head. I enjoy tasteless jokes and witty banter that may sound cruel but is always meant in good fun.
But, no, I’m not offended. Most of the time, it doesn’t even cross my mind that I should be offended until someone asks if I was offended.
Just so y’all know. 🙂
even though gratuitous swearing makes me cringe, (and i can NOT tolerate “f’s” and “gd’s”…ever) a well-placed swears doesn’t usually get my hackles up. it’s funny though…sounds like you are offended about being offended! 🙂
Hmmm. I definitely didn’t mean it to come across that way! 🙂 Honestly, I was trying to think of something to write about and this seemed a good enough subject. I just think it’s funny how everyone thinks I’m offended by stuff when most everything runs off my back.
I’m kind of shy, so when I don’t know people, I tend to be very quiet and reserved for a while until I warm up to them. I think it comes across as not having a sense of humor.
thanks for revealing to the world that your mother has a potty mouth
Sorry. 😉
But you never did a good job of hiding it.
We were watching a show last night we had never seen before and every other word was a swear word. I found myself offended and I’m usually not! It was terrible writing.
Stopped by from SITS.
Hilarious! I find it amusing when people swear when I tell them they owe library fines. I should write a column about the way I am treated when I am wearing long sleeves vs short sleeves. I totally regret ever getting tattoos but am stuck with them now. When wearing long sleeves I am assumed a goody goody, harmless, sweet, due to being short. When I display tattoos, a different crowd assumes me one of their own. It is most fascinating.
I guess I am in line with Alison. I don’t begrudge someone a good swear word when they get hurt or are really upset, but so many use the f. word as a habit. Just like some use the word “like” or “you know”. I was raised that a gentleman did not swear in front of a lady, but now it’s the girls with the filthiest mouths. My nieces in particular, and in that case Yes! I am offended. Great post Renee.
I live with a sailor. I’d go crazy if it bothered me!
i try not to swear so much, and if i do, i always apologize to myself
Well, that’s good.
I am not offended when someone swears while venting or if they got hurt, but it slightly annoys me when people drop the f-bomb every other sentence in their every day conversation. I don’t know why it is, maybe my strict Christian upbringing, but it just seems unnecessary.
BTW, great comments you made on my blog yesterday. The comment you made about the two women you know who can no longer walk really hit me. How incredibly sad.
That kind of stuff really does hit home, Karen. I just want to be able to enjoy life as long as possible, ya know?
I will say I think swearing is ugly, which is why I rarely do it. But I mostly tune it out when others do it!
Gratuitous swearing projects ignorance.
On the other hand, finding a way to express cursed sentments without cursing presents a creative challenge.