Why is 'what the hell' a bad word?

Answer 1

"Bad" words are called bad usually because they stand for something profane, rude, crude or ill mannered. The problem is that one person's rude may be another person's funny.

Talking about some names of body parts as if they are "off limits" for appropriate use is not uncommon. As a nurse, I believe that using the correct medical term for anatomical references is always appropriate, but you should avoid using slang terms and be considerate and aware of others and how they are reacting to your choice of subjects and words. Using them at the wrong time or place can be all it takes to make some anatomical words "bad".

We must try to be pleasant and sensitive to those around us who may be embarrassed by some of these words that others of us consider as normal as talking about an elbow. Therefore, determining which words are "bad" in your location can be sometimes difficult. An innocent word one place may be a bad word in another. So it is important to look up words and phrases in the dictionary before you use them to be sure you will not say something that could be offensive or hurt someone without even being aware of it.

The true profane expletive words are usually used to curse, shock, offend, and often to hurt another person. Because of this, they are considered bad.

In some countries, all words associated with reproduction, many parts of the human body, and sexual activity have been labeled "bad". Some people think all of these are "bad words". However, since reproduction and sexual activity is a normal and appropriate part of adult human life the world over, other people believe that it is wrong to call simple anatomical terms "bad". Be aware of how other people consider various words in your locale so you do not accidentally say something crude or in bad taste.

If you are a minor and your parent or guardian says not to use a word because it is "bad", take their word for it and avoid use of that word. Once you become an adult and are able to better select the subjects and terms for proper discussion based upon where you are, to whom you are speaking, and who else may be within hearing range, you can then decide what words will be offensive and what will be acceptable in that location.

Answer 2

This comes from an old superstition that if you mention the Devil (or anything related to him), it 'invites' him to show up (this is the source of the phrase 'speak of the Devil').

It could also be because it might be interpreted as a form of damning someone.

Love Answering Girl

Answer 3

"what the hell" is a phrase, not a word! Some people may find it mildly offensive, most would not.