How did swearing get invented?

Answer 1

First, some definitions might help.

In the narrow sense a "curse" is an expression that calls down ill/judgment, either on someone else, or on one's self, as when taking an oath, such as, "If I am lying, may I be struck dead on the spot!" (The opposite sort of speech is a blessing.) So the original "curse words" would be those used to call down a solemn curse.

But in common speech we mix this together with other categories of "strong language" which one is either not supposed to speak (at least in certain settings), or to use with great care, including:

1) swearing - taking of a solemn oath (which may include or imply a curse if you break it)

2) profanity - often used to refer to 'crass language' or 'foul language', but it originally means language which dishonors, or treats lightly as "profane" [common, 'vulgar'] persons or things that should be honored as sacred. (In the first instance, this means sacred things esp. associated with God, etc., the name of God, as well as highly regarded people [such as a king].)

If you think about it you can see how all these types of language are related and how, for instance, "dirty [vulgar] words" end up being called "cursing/cussing" or "swearing". Also, note that uttering a curse in a formal oath or swearing an oath is usually considered acceptable --IF done in the right context, with due seriousness. It is tossing such things around lightly (again, treating the special as common/profane) that is the problem.

Anthropologists sometimes speak of "taboo" words -- words it is forbidden, even dangerous to speak. In some cultures the thought is that speaking such thing AUTOMATICALLY causes something bad to happen. In others the consequences are social.

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That brings us to the thing that determines what is "bad language" of whatever sort -- it is the SOCIAL understanding of the word, that is, what it means to OTHERS.

Some respond to this by saying "no word is really bad, it's just that people TAKE it as bad". But this is superficial. After all, why does someone CHOOSE to use words they know society regards in this way?

This is, in fact, how language works!

What makes ANY word "good" or "bad" ? It is all based on the agreed upon meaning of the word in the particular language--the very thing that makes language possible.

So it's not making the sounds themselves that is at issue, nor is it (usually) about what's in one particular person's head. It is that you CHOOSE to make sounds (that is, speak a word) that you KNOW are used to convey that particular meaning in the language you are speaking.

Even those who object to others 'determining what I can say' understand this. Otherwise they would calmly, even joyfully, cuss out a small child or someone they love deeply.

In the same way, "Fire!" is just a set of sounds too -- but if you holler it, willy-nilly, in a crowded theater, it will have an effect for which you are morally, and probably legally, answerable.

The point is that language --ALL language-- is a SOCIAL activity. To carry out its function (communicating with others!) depends on people's sharing an understanding of what the symbols will mean.

And so, it's not OK to simply use any word you choose any way you choose and claim "Well, I meant something ELSE by it".

Answer 2

i believe people started using them and then they decided they sounded wrong so they said if u say that word its not correct manners

You probably want to distinguish swear words, curse words, and vulgarity. People have always emphasized the truth of what they say by swearing on God's name or something sacred such as putting hand on Bible. To cry out God's name in vain, that is without a solemn purpose of attesting the truth, is offensive to religious people. Second, people have always expressed their contempt for others by wishing them harm, as to be damned (to hell). To express such an eternal form of ill will is also offensive to religious people. Vulgarity is talking in public about private matters such as sex and bathroom activity, and you know all those offensive words too. People do all of these things to make other people mad. All of these words have become so common that the sting is gone out of them, but they are still not polite forms of speech.

Answer 3

The origin of profanity is lost in the mists of ancient pre-history.

Answer 4

"swear words" originally had a meaning that was not a swear but people have altered the meanings

Answer 5

some looser named dalten Booker started to use them in the early 1700's and then people began declaring them "Bad Words." Know almost everyone will let them slip once and a while

Answer 6

hello i AM ANGRY BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T ANSWER MY QUESTION

Answer 7

The first person who made a swear word ....... Chloe Adey ????????????? so goes to the pingle school xxxxxxx

EDIT: Get over yourself, Chloe. crecer, dios mío!

Answer 8

No one really created swear (curse) words. The use of swear words is something that has occurred over time.

Answer 9

Swear words were invented when mankind first learned how to talk! People have always needed something to say in those horrible situations where nothing else seems to relieve their tension.

Answer 10

The Victorians had words they didnt really like, henceforth swear words!!