Why are swear words swear words?

Answer 1

Every language has words that are considered rude or vulgar, just as nearly every culture has certain taboos about what you can and cannot say in a formal setting (like at a job interview or with members of the clergy). Sometimes, these bad words are used to express contempt for another person by comparing him or her to a bodily function or to a certain body part.

There are scholars who have studied the history of swear words, and they have found bad words in cultures all over the world. Swear words usually represent actions that a culture finds unpleasant (certain bodily functions like urinating) or words that are related to sex and sexuality (there are numerous swear words for having sex, and also vulgar terms for the genitals). It seems that people from many different countries, including America, are somewhat uncomfortable talking about the human body and about sexuality, and that may explain why so many of our swear words refer to these two subjects.

It should also be noted that words which used to be taboo can gradually gain acceptance over time. For example, the British word "bloody" was once considered a bad word, but these days, while it can be seen as rude, it is not as offensive as it was a hundred years ago. And many languages have "euphemisms"-- polite ways to say something rude, rather than using a swear word. You may have heard a person say "oh fudge!" or heard someone mention "dropping the F-bomb." Just as every culture has bad words, they also have expressions that get the idea across without using a word that might get you in trouble.

Answer 2

People swear because it's a part of language and expression. Censorship is the worst obscenity. Accurately expressing yourself means coloring outside the lines sometimes. Usually, morality is defined by observed reactions, and swear words have never actually hurt anyone, so the reason certain words shouldn't be spoken remains undefined.

Answer 3

because they used to be kids too.