Whats the point of writing prn, f@ck, sht or anything like that instead of the actual words? You can still read them, its not like they are gone if you replace a letter or two.

  • Monkey With A Shell@lemmy.socdojo.com
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    1 year ago

    Because there really isn't a place where it's nessecary and thus appropriate. Sometimes it's cathartic, but in general it's used as a fallback for when other words and expression fail. In that regard it's less shielding and more setting an example.

    • richieadler@lemmy.myserv.one
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      1 year ago

      Sorry, it's not true. A proper expletive conveys the precise emotional state and the unwillingness to preserve forced politeness, because one doesn't feel the need to appease others, or because the situation doesn't warrant it.

    • Moghul@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      I disagree, there are definitely places where it's necessary and it's always appropriate where it's necessary. It's not a fallback for anything, it's not a failure of the language. It's a feature, not a bug. Probably don't want to do it in formal environments, but even then there are times when it is absolutely the right language to use.

      • squiblet@kbin.social
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        1 year ago

        I swear a fair bit but sometimes I feel like it's a cop-out… a lazy way to add emphasis, and if I think for a minute I can usually find more specific and expressive words.

      • Monkey With A Shell@lemmy.socdojo.com
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        1 year ago

        Calling someone a fucking ass doesn't convey anything of what your point is. In those cases where someone absolutely can't be reasoned with swearing at them isn't going to change the situation, actions might, but words won't.

        Another mentioned about it being needed in some cases where the situation doesn't merit politeness. In those cases though what's gained by charged emotional responses if you're going to engage at all? It's wasting energy on things that have no benefit to anyone.

        Cursing really only has any meaning because we give the words power. Similar to slurs against various groups, they only have bite because we give them meaning and history. I'll give this challenge, give me an instance where any given situation was benefitted by their use though, outside of mere expression of rage or hate what benefit did it add?