MOMania

By FCM

February 26, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this

I will fess up! I curse—especially in traffic…The kids recognize it, and say ‘MOM!!!!!!!!! You know that’s not nice.’ I usually point that while they are correct the idiot who cut me off was not nice either.

While I am not expletive deleting like Eddie Murphey (RAW) or Dave Chappel (???????nasty mouth!!), I know I have some work to get that PG rating in my full day.

SO, I make a concious effort to clean up my act…not just in front of the kids, but all the time.

By Theresa

February 26, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this

FCM — traffic is exactly what my husband says. He’s gotten better but he is pretty convinced that every other driver in atlanta is an idiot!

By FCM

February 26, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

I am willing to accept that occasionally I may be the idiot that gets cussed out when driving….but there really are some horrible drivers here.

By fk

February 26, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

I would never cuss at work. Bad impression. As a kid, I remember hearing the man around the block cursing his head off, shouting the “f” word in frustration. I was about five and had never heard it before, but could tell it was a bad one by his tone. My mother just about fainted when I told her what Mr. L. had said.

Every so often I hear my son say something inappropriate and I call him on it. I am always shocked to hear the “a” word or the “s” word on TV. I know, I’m morphing into my mother and it’s scary. I’ve heard my son’s friends curse at times, and they’ve apologized, so they know it’s not right. Both girls and boys drop the “f” bomb quite frequently on facebook. I keep telling my son, don’t ever put something into writing that you might regret later—-it may come back to haunt you. But you know how that goes, he’s 17 and knows it all.

I do think a lot has to do with what is accepted and practiced at home. Apparently, someone had bad habits when our son was young. We were “home” for a summer visit. We had taken our then 3 y/o down to the beach at night to walk the boardwalk. He wanted an ice-cream cone, but Dad preferred that we wait until we got back to town. Well, by the time we got back to town, the ice-cream shop with the soft ice-cream had closed. Now I was annoyed. Plus, ice-cream on the boardwalk at night would have been a fun treat, the ocean ambience, etc. We drove around and finally found a shop still open, but only the walk-up window. The appeal was gone.

Then, my husband decided that we should get back to my parents’ so that our son could put his pj’s on before the ice-cream. Okay, an hour had passed by this point. The kid just wanted the “darn” ice-cream he was promised. As he climbed the stairs to change, he flipped the light switch. Nothing, only darkness. The next thing I knew, I heard,”Would someone turn on the freakin’ light?!” Out of the mouths of babes. The inflection was right on. I stood in the livingroom with my parents looking at me. My mom asked,”What did he say?”. Without skipping a beat, I replied,”Would someone please turn on the light?”

FCM…I experienced an idiot episode when my son was in kindergarten. I rented an Eddie Murphy movie…it was a re-make of a Disney movie, or so I thought. Really, what was I thinking? There was a scene where the “a” word was used over and over, and my son was doubled over in laughter. I tried to explain to him that it was not funny, and using such a word at the dinner table, as was done in the movie, was totally inappropriate. Once he got his laughter under control, he replied, “I know, Mom, but you say it (meaning the compound “a” word) all the time when you are driving.” Uh-oh.

By DB

February 26, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately, this is a bit of a vice with me — the fact that I’m able to refrain from using profanity at work indicates that it IS under my control, but I do let the occasional “SH*T!” fly at home, with a few sprinkled “G-Dammit!” for emphasis. My husband doesn’t swear at all. My son doesn’t swear around me — but I’ve heard him with friends, and while he is a long way from being x-rated, I find it interesting how he move back and forth easily between areas of his life. My daughter does not swear at all. Period. And she raises her eyebrow at me when I do. :-) At one point, we had the “quarter jar”, when anyone who used profanity had to pay into it, but it sorta got lost on the kitchen counter.

Actually, not swearing is something I’m trying to do for Lent. It’s been better, but I still have to bite my tongue on occasion. As my husband told my kids — “You’re smart and your language skills are above average — surely you can find some way to express yourself that does not involve profanity.”

By bjc

February 26, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

No, I do not cuss.I think it is very Ugly and Unnecessary. People can get their message across without it. There is nothing worsr than using Gods name in vain. You cant watch a good show on tv anymore with out hearing all the filthy talk. I dont like hearing it so I turn it off or turn the channel. My ears are not trash cans! I live for Christ and I think cussing is a sinful thing to do. We all can do better if we try.

By Jesse's Girl

February 26, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Given my ever expanding outspoken nature….oddly enough, this isn’t really a problem for me. Well…not now anyway. When I was younger and on the road….I could drink and cuss you under the table. Not good considering how young I actually was. But something in me turned on a dime when we had kids. Now don’t get me wrong….I can make up some doozies that even WalMart employees can decifer!:) (sorry to any wally world workers…i just hate your store, not you) Some of my faves…..

Holy Hannah! Holy sweet potatos! Tartar sauce…courtesy of the kids. Mother puss bucket…courtesy of Dr Peter Venkman! P** and vinegar…not really a cuss word per se’, but I like it. Son of a building block! Cheese and crackers! Fart knocker! Crummy buttons!

And my personal favorite…..HOLY CRAP ON A STICK!!!

By Jennifer

February 26, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Oh boy.

On topic, I’m not horrible about cussing but I’m not a saint, either. When my kids repeat something that they have heard from Dad or me, I just let them know that it’s not ladylike and that it’s definitely not for school. I cut them some slack for the potty mouth at home but let them know that it is not appropriate at all outside our home.

By JJ

February 26, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

I try not to cuss, but sometimes there is just no other appropriate word, than the “F” bomb when I am very angry. My co-workers all cuss.

It doesn’t bother me at all, they are just words.

I’m not offended by cussing.

By Theresa

February 26, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Jesse’s Girl — i’m going to test out some of your alternative expletives today and see if I can wean myself to some new bad words —I am currently trying out cheese and crackers.

By Jesse's Girl

February 26, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

I have relatives that still live in Ireland and Italy. I can speak broken conversational Italian and can slang with the best of them in Ireland. Mr Jesse speaks fluent Spanish and Portugese and tries to sweet talk me in both languages. I think he’s very sweetly cussing me up one side and down the other…but it does sound delicious! Just wanted to give you guys a little sample of what I hear from my cousins….

Bristish/Irish/Scottish slang….Bugger shag! Gobsmacked! Goolies! Getting your oats! Plonker!

Italian….Cacarella! Cacasenno! Troiaio! Oca! Porcaccione! Feel free to look them up. Some of them are terrible….but most have multiple meanings. Except the Italian ones….they don’t leave much to the imagination.

By Teacher, Too

February 26, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

I hear students cussing all the time at school. I give them “the look”, which doesn’t deter them at all.

I think cussing is vulgar and while okay in the privacy in your own vehicle, I don’t think it’s appropriate in public. It’s disturbing to me when I am out and about and hear nothing but obsenities- (especially the “f” word).

It’s just another example of how few social boundaries we have anymore.

By leen

February 26, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

We have a rule in our house. My sons (all teens), can say what they want in front of their friends, but, never, ever in front of anyone older or younger. We keep it out of the house, and I think it has made them think about what they say before they open their mouths.

By Jesse's Girl

February 26, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

If you love made up/non-sensical curse words….do what Mr Jesse does and look up movie sound bytes. Some of his faves are from Austin Powers and Anchorman. I still giggle when he says I have a ” breathtaking heinie!”

By james

February 26, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

teens are cussing the same as their parents did when they were teens

By Nan

February 26, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Language evolves. What shocks one generation doesn’t shock the next.

By Angela

February 26, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

I grew up in a home where cuss words were sometimes heard and I never understood why my mother had to use such language until I had kids of my own. I am not saying that my kids make me use such words but sometimes the situations and problems and their “I know it all” attitudes can be a bit much at times.

By Don

February 26, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

It’s not really the words that are coming out our mouth, but the words that are a product of our thought life. Deal with the mind…and in dealing with your mind, you ultimately deal with your words.

By LA

February 26, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

I admit to letting certain words sometimes slip, but cussing generally makes you sound less intelligent. I understand that sometimes frustration makes these words come out. Perhaps the lies in the fact that parents should be teaching kids more respect for others over all and to be more polite by controlling their anger in the presence of others.

By LydiasDad

February 26, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Kids are cussing more because the media has eroded all standards of behavior, and the parents are not longer enforcing it.

By DB

February 26, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

BTW, Theresa — thanks for including the links to the other AJC blogs on this page! I had commented that I missed them, and I was pleasantly surprised to come back from a busy few days and find that they had magically reappeared!

By The truth

February 26, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Because kids are dumb as rocks. Parents are lazy and you have too many tv shows and movies that glorify cursing.

By Theresa

February 26, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Hey DB — I can’t take credit — we’ll thank our lovely computer design guy Cliff — who has three kids!

By Aurora

February 26, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

LydiasDad has is right. Parents are too scarred of hurting the kids by telling them NOT to do something.

Cussing is very mainstream these days. Just listen to Britney’s songs, one starts out with Britney sayng “It’s Britney B***”, They played it on Ellen yesterday as her opening dance routine…..I was shocked.

Any show on cable, especially MTV is loaded with cussing.

By Jesus The Lord

February 26, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

All you muther&$&# get the f&$ over this Bull$%% and stop acting like little b$(%# over a few gotd&*^ cuss words!!!!!!!

By Penguinmom

February 26, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Cussing has just become generally accepted in today’s society. Music, movies, and peers all add to the constant barrage of foul language. It is very difficult to hear bad words all day and not end up thinking and speaking them yourself. It takes a strong willpower to decide to not be brainwashed into speaking that way.

Recently, I was at a ChickFilA and the teenage boy behind me was telling his friends a story. He punctuated almost every noun with ‘f-ing’ and concluded some sentences with “that is ‘f-ed up”. I finally moved to another part of the restaurant so I wouldn’t have to be barraged with that idiocy.

Cussing shows a lack of imagination. If you can’t come up with some other word to say besides a cuss word, then you are sadly lacking in willpower and thoughtfulness.

By Another Mom

February 26, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

I look at swear words as another form of communication. Just like slang, it’s used when appropriate. Sometimes when you use it between 2 people it helps break down a wall if used properly. It takes a sterile professional encounter and makes it a tad more personal. (I’m talking A$$ or Sh!t, not the f-bomb!). I teach my daughter the same way. Teenagers have their own language, and cussing is a harmless way for them to rebel and try on being a grown-up for a while. Looking at the big picture, I would much rather have her dropping a few swear words around me than sneaking off and having 7 babies.

the media is NOT to blame - the media REACTS to what we watch, buy, etc. Teens and Young adults will ALWAYS flock to whatever the old people say is bad. You did it when you were young, and your grandparents were just as shocked as you are and cried about the downfall of society. Elvis anyone?

By JustMe

February 26, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Because the parents allow them to. Plain and simple!

By LydiasDad

February 26, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Another mom’s a secular progressive idiot. You’re teaching your daughter to cuss? Yeah, that’s what future employers want for your daughter. And that’s a substitute to having babies? How about no cussing AND no having babies? Are you too incompetent of a mom to stop both? You’re the kind of parent that hurts this country and, unfortunately, your daughter.

By Sherman

February 26, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

The first thing I saw on this blog was somebody placing the blame elsewhere! Dave Chappelle? Eddie Murphy? WHY?!? You’re the stupid parent that let your child watch it. Another is reason is because parents don’t punish their kids no more, because they’re afraid of going to jail or having the child called DFACS on them. Kids don’t even get whoopings anymore. They get timeout or parents take their iPod or TV or cell phone away from them. What in the world will that do to a kid? I’m telling you guys, your kids just need a lil fire to that backside. They’ll act straight.

By Diane

February 26, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

I do NOT cuss but work with youth at our chuch. I’m hearing the F-word and GD frequently. Some language is coming from kids whose Daddy is a Deacon.

Cuss words show ignorance. The English language has many acceptable words that could easily be used instead. When cut off in traffic, yell ‘Hey Buddy. I hope you get audited!’

By Darndest Things

February 26, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Best story - Dad takes his 2 year for a ride in the car after work every day to spend some time with him. Weeks later, mom straps the kid in the car and goes to the store. In the parking lot, a car is backing out of a space and doesn’t see her so she blows the horn. As soon as the horn blows the 2 year in the car seat says “a—hole”. She decides to try a little experiment later and blows the horn again - the kid says the same thing. Turns out, when dad’s driving, every time someone cuts him off or goes too slow he blows the horn and says - you guessed it - “a—hole”!

By parentof4

February 26, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

I used to cuss A LOT. Obviously turning my life around and becoming a professional that had to end. My children do not, the oldest is 12, and knows I do not care how old you are I will knock your teeth out talking like that. Besides my kids are REALLY limited on the t.v. they watch, so it is not normal to hear such nonsense. My oldest never knew the middle finger was bad until the 3rd grade. That was after some wonderful child in his class proceeded to show him the universal sign and then the teacher had to explain that it was bad. Of course he did proceed to snicker it to his younger siblings…oh what wonderful things they learn in school. Too bad we still can’t have all the kids pass the basics test.

Cursing is ugly and there are so many other beautiful words one could say. Like Cheese and Crakers and all the lovely phrases provided by Jesse’s girl. Now I have out of anger and bad habits said one or two words in front of them, but it really is one or two. They are really quick to point out my mistake and how I am not teaching them good habits by saying it.

By jeed

February 26, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

They watch more television and are exposed to it more. That could be one reason. Although I’m not sure if it’s technically a “cuss” word - I hear b-i-t-c-h all the time on sitcoms. I am sure I didn’t hear that when I was growing. The “lighter” cuss words are par for the course these days.

By jabster

February 26, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Judas priest, if your kid’s a freakin’ potty-mouth s/he probably got the dang words from you and the license to say it from you!

If you want your kid to not be a potty mouth, then rid your mouth of them too!

Remember—in The Christmas Story, the kid learned how to drop an F-bomb (“Oh, fuuuuuudge, except I didn’t say fudge!”) from his dad.

There’s plenty of euphemisms to use on a daily basis. Then on those rare occasions when you preach a blue streak people will know you really mean it!

By FCM

February 26, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

uh Sherman, go back and read my post…I did not blame Chappel or Murphy…I only said that I was not using the type of language they are known to use in their adult acts.

By truthbtold

February 26, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Kids are cursing more out of ignorance. They grow up listening to Profanity laden Rap Music, and hear the foul mouths of their Mother’s (The women today curse like Sailors), because 9 out of 10 times they are being raised by a single Mother anyway. They live in a world with anger management issues, and poor communication skills. They don’t know any better, which is Ignorance!!!

By Cammi317

February 26, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

I have never really been a cusser, but I have always had my substitution words which my 10 y/o now mimics. When I hear her say them, I see that they have a similar effect. I am also finding out that schools look down on words such as, darn, heck and crap just as if shey had used blatent profanity. I am learning to curtail using my “substitution” words in order to deter her from using them…

By hollyster01204

February 26, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

I’m in the 8th grade and can certainly atest that almost all of my peers cuss. The ones who don’t are more the exception than the rule. I personally don’t cuss. But, like most, every once in a while I get so angry it just slips out. Although I don’t say the words I hear hundreds of times a day, I think them pretty regularly. But in the article who ever said “freakin” or “effin” is just as bad as saying the real word is delusional! Is saying “shoot” as bad as saying ITS synonym? I’m very guilty of taking God’s name in vain and it’s something I’m trying to work on day by day. The cussing problem with my generation is completely out of hand. And people like me are completely powerless to stop it.

By FCM

February 26, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

Cammi….your right…my child got in trouble for saying ‘stupid’ not calling someone ‘stupid’ but saying something like oh, “Barney is a stupid show”…..Of course Public Schools only want drones in seats…not real people with opinions (that goes for parents and students alike).

I was like…ok calling anyone a name is wrong…(even though I am guilty as charged when it comes to what I say in traffic)….but to express your opinion that something is not your liking (that is lame, stupid, or whatever) how did that get to be a ‘bad’ word??????

She could even say the story they read was stupid, or the assignment was stupid…I could live with it. The teacher got bug eyed when I told her that. She really expected that I would tell my child that the word was ‘bad’ and not to express negative opinions. I told my child the truth….apparently ‘stupid’ is a word the school finds offensive, and its therefore inappropriate to say it. Additionally, I reminded said child that unsolicited opinions are seldom welcome, and therefore to refrain from volunteering them.

By JJ

February 26, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

I admit I suffer from “Situational Turrets Syndrome”. It depends on the situation at hand. Think about that one.

That, and kids are cussing more because of a lack of respect. Kids today are not taught to respect their elders or anyone but themselves. They are taught that they are number one, and the world revolves around them.

My generation was taught to respect elders and others. I guess it’s just easier to turn a deaf ear than to actually deal with the situation.

By Aurora

February 26, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

FCM…unsolicited opinions are seldom welcome, and therefore to refrain from volunteering them…

Ha ha ha ha. I would love to get that on a plaque and post it at my office……

By Stacey

February 26, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

While I don’t make a habit of it, I can’t deny using a few four letter words occasionally. I never use the 2 and 3 word expressions. My husband uses everything but GD & JC. He substitutes Cheese and Rice when he wants to say that.

My son corrects me anytime I cuss (he says I don’t look pretty when I talk like that but it’s okay for Daddy). Now I usually say Fudgescicle or Good Giggly Wiggly. I won’t allow my son to even say shut up, liar, fool, etc. He said all of his friends at school are allowed to use those words and his teacher says that they aren’t cuss words but she agrees that they are “bad” words. He asked (and was granted) permission to say tartar sauce when he’s really angry. He got that from Patrick on Spongebob Squarepants. :-)

By Jesse's Girl

February 26, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

AAHHH! Rick Springfield is on right now Theresa!!! He’s singing my song!!

By Theresa

February 26, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

I swear I never watch Oprah but I just went into the basement to play with the baby and who was on the tv but Rick Springfield — I watched him sing Jessie’s Girl — sung along so loudly that the 6 year old came over to inquirer and the baby bounced and clapped along —- and then came upstairs to start dinner —- I did see it and I did think of you Jesse’s Girl!!

By Jesse's Girl

February 26, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Sorry about that. I was working like a good little business owner and wham! Rick Springfield’s still hot self came on Oprah and sang Jesse’s Girl! Surely he has sold his soul to the devil….or has an amazing surgeon. He looks almost exactly the same as he did when I would name our future children!:)

By Magenta

February 26, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Growing up in the Northeast, I had two parents who used bad language on a regular basis — but they were always shocked to hear it from me. This was the 60s and kids were still fairly innocent. We were easily scandalized by expressions that are very commonplace now. We’d have been in deep trouble if we’d said something “sucked.”
When my son was born, I lived down here (in the 1980s), and was also quite religious, so most of the time, both my husband and I used civilized language. We were also choosy about what he saw on TV. You’d never know that to hear him now. He uses expressions that sometimes make my jaw drop, and it’s 95% the influence of his friends (and their friends and parents and viewing habits) after he hit adolescence.

By Theresa

February 26, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

a little too much eyeliner I think — and he really likes his guitar — we saw him at Lakewood maybe 8 to 10 years ago and he was way into his guitar - throwing it up into the air and catching it — I just wanted him to sing.

By Foobs

February 26, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Guilty as f*ing sht here! I try to control it around my kids, but sometimes I fail. For all of you who think cussing is a form of ignorance, you’re probably the ignorant one. That’s just like saying anyone who speaks with a southern accent is ignorant, which is, well, ignorant. It’s simply a way of expressing yourself, and you learn it from others around you. One person’s fck is another person’s jeepers. I find it very therapeutic to fire off a few expletives here and there. It’s simply a lack of self-control, and even then it’s a matter of semantics anyway. If you heard some bloke from England saying bloody this or bloody that, you would think little of it when someone from England may think the person is being quite vulgar. It’s all relative. Besides, I could almost go as far as saying that people who consider cussing absolutely outrageous and ignorant are likely ignorant themselves, but I won’t. That may be the ignorant thing to do.

By Foobs

February 26, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Besides, this blog topic is sofa king stupid. Aren’t there better things to discuss?

By Foobs

February 26, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Face it. Most kids learn to talk slang from friends. My parents never swore, and I might as well be a sailor. So let’s quit fooling ourselves and think we can actually catch our kids swearing, let alone discipline them for it. That is, unless we follow them everywhere they go. You just have to instill in them that they will suffer consequences if they use bad language at the wrong time.

By Foobs

February 26, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

I definitely agree with JJ in that there’s an overall lack of respect in our society, especially the kids. Although I swear like a sailor, I don’t do it where I work or where it will reflect on my professional life.

By Jesse's Girl

February 26, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Sofa King stupid…..now that is funny! Crude and lewd…but I appreciate it nonetheless.

Theresa…surely you jest! I don’t know what you were looking at…but it certainly wasn’t his eyes I was interested in. He is now in league with Garth Brooks in regards to his vocal abilities. We love his stuff…but the crowd sings most of it. Mainly because the chords and lungs can’t keep up anymore. But I really don’t care….I’d still sop him up with a biscuit! We even got a wedding card from him and his manager! His vocal coach trained mine and his “camp” sent us well wishes when they heard our first dance was “Jesse’s Girl”. Yes…we were/are that cheesy. Everyone was expecting some slow, mushy-mushy song. When we busted out the air guitar and started groovin’ Jordache style….well, we had the most fun first dance in the history of first dances. Yes…I love Rick Sprongfield. Even when he was on General Hospital.

By Jesse's Girl

February 26, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Obviously that should have read “Springfield”….some sort of Freudian slip of the tongue perhaps?

By Penguinmom

February 26, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

LOL! Theresa, my hubby and I were at that concert too! Rick did love the whole flower and guitar thing a little too much.

On topic: When my kids were younger, they would come to me and say so-and-so said the ‘S-word’. I always asked them ‘what s-word?’ They would hem and haw, make sure they wouldn’t get in trouble for voicing it then finally whisper ‘stupid’ (or occasionally ‘shut-up’). It was all I could do to keep a straight face as I agreed that word was bad and so-and-so shouldn’t have used it. Love the innocence of kids.

To me when I hear someone use foul language in public (especially in front of kids), my opinion of them goes down just as it does if I see them light up a cigarette. I’ll admit I occassionally slip and say d**n-it when I stub my toe but I can’t imagine a situation where I would ever use the f-word in public or in front of my kids. I also can’t imagine not reading my kids the riot act if I ever caught them swearing.

By craig

February 26, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

Your great-granddad’s cuss words are “lite” interjections today, and your cuss words are becoming that way too. The same people who wanna hit you over the head with a Bible for saying ‘damn’ are curiously not offended when I (a Brit) say ‘bloody.’ The argument that cussing as you call it shows a lack of knowledge of English is also ridiculous, as Shakespeare and his contemporaries regularly employed less-than-saintly language; if you don’t ever use words outside of the box, don’t lecture the rest of us about creativity :)

By Greg Leathers

February 27, 2008 7:01 AM | Link to this

I admit I cuss, but not very often. Usually it is exclamations when frustrated. I try not to do it too often, not because it is inappropriate, but because I want to use a large vocabulary instead of just a few words.

By It's his fault

February 27, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this

It’s all the fault of one Michael Giarusso. It’s a wonder the wire stories aren’t full of bad words. Just kidding.

By JJ

February 27, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

While I was getting ready this morning, I was listening to B98.5 and they have a “nearly impossible question” every day. Today’s question, ironically, was “Every day, teens, and tweens do this up to 80 times a day”. Guess what the answer was? Cussing. 80 times a day? One lady called in and said she worked with Youth at her church, and she constantly hears the “F” bomb and other cuss words at Youth Group…….

I had no idea. 80 times a day? I don’t even swear that much…….I don’t think I swear 80 times a MONTH.

By john

February 27, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

I avoid any kind of cussing including using the Lord’s name in vain.

One of the surest ways the TV gets switched off or the channel changed is when people misuse the Lord’s name.

Forget using the F,N or any other type of word like that. I simply try to avoid anything that could be taken for swearing or cussing.

By Another Mom

February 27, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

To Lydias Dad - I don’t teach my daughter to cuss, but instead I acknowledge that she does cuss - you REALLY think your kid doesn’t cuss when she is out of earshot? I talk about REAL THINGS with my daughter and let her know how things are in the REAL WORLD not some made up bubble only you live in. I teach her MY MORALS - not yours. She is respectful, open-minded and a SUCCESS. The 7 babies remark was HUMOR referring to that poor child in Argentina.

Good Luck with your method - if you don’t know about it, it doesn’t happen, right? THAT is what is ruining the country - looking the other way when something is too hard to accept.

What is your goal in forbidding your daughter to cuss? To stop her from using those words around you? My goal is to teach my daughter where those words are acceptable. Knowledge is power.

By Another Mom

February 27, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

I had no idea. 80 times a day? I don’t even swear that much…….I don’t think I swear 80 times a MONTH.

When these kids grow up they won’t cuss that much either. This is just part of spreading their wings - using language adults find unacceptable. the more we react to it, the worse it will get. When you overhear it, calmly explain to them that where they are isn’t appropriate for using that language. Treat them as adults and most of them rise to it and act like adults.

By Alphamommy

February 27, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

It’s hard to believe that some parents use curse words around their children. I have a friend who has a three year old boy that uses every curse word in the book because his Father curses around him. I don’t curse even when my kids aren’t around. It’s not necessary, and people should learn to use more self control if they want their kids to grow up to be decent citizens.

By Mongo Slade

February 27, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Cussing - Swearing - Profanity, its all the same. People who use it in conversation have a limited vocabulary. Parents use it in aner, kids listen to it, like it, then add it to their vocabulary. I refrain from havin conversations with teens and young adults that lasts over 2 minutes because they run out of words an out comes the vulgarity.

By cass

February 27, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

I too have said bad words in front of my son but I apologize to him for using such language and explain to him that I was angry which does not excuse my behavior but it is what it is. I also tell him that when folks cuss it shows their ignorance because they apparently can’t think of a better word to use.

By BP

February 27, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

When I was six, I was cussing like a sailor; it’s all I heard from an early age. As a teen/young adult I thought that cussing was cool and somehow made me seem grown-up. Which I am sure is how kids today feel. After I had my son, I continued to cuss, mainly when he wasn’t around, but I wasn’t making that big of in effort to nip in the bud completely. It wasn’t until my son was around 10 or so that I was really able to stop cussing around him ; with the occassional slip of course.

I am very lucky - my son cannot stand it when my husband or I cuss! He will do this throat clearing thing and say “Mmmmmoom” when a cuss word slips out. He used to also give me a slap, but that got old after a while! It is my son who really put me and keeps me in check with my language. If only he had the same effect on his father, who slips alot more than I do!

Does my son cuss? I don’t think so, he tells me he doesn’t and I have never heard him. Do his friends cuss? My son tells me some do, but surprisingly not all of them. They are only 14, so who knows what the high school years will bring!

Their are youth soccer teams that go around cussing on the field during a game! This is appalling and bothers some of the boys on our team! A red card should be given when profanity is used during a game, otherwise the wrong example is being set!

I too like to be creative and I say things like “God Bless America” when I am furstrated or “What the french, toast?”, “You son of a dog biscuit eater!” or “Lint licker!” from that Orbits commerical.

I, like Teacher Too, find it disturbing and inconsiderate when you are out in public and folks are using profanities loudly, especially when my son is around! Please folks have some courtesy! I do think that with most TV shows using profanity so freely that it sets this precedent that it is acceptable in society to cuss, no matter where you are.

I agree that sometimes the only appropriate word for some situations is a cuss word, when little ears aren’t around of course, but for the most part we should use our intelligence and use other “non-offensive” words to express ourselves!

It is all too often when a cuss word is muttered around a youth, an apology is given for the slip to the child and the child responds, “That’s okay, it’s nothing I haven’t heard before” or “I’m used to it!” This is just sad. My response to that would be, “So, it doesn’t mean that it’s okay for me, (or whomever) to use that kind of language in front of you.”

It’s sad that “it’s okay” to cuss in front some children, they’re used to it…..from their parents!

By Teen's opinion

February 27, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

I am teen and I deal with the garbage you parents talk about all the time. Jesse’s Girl and Lyla’s dad are the people that have the “Honnor Student Sticker” on the back of their care. Take care of your kids and get of the blogs and get a job

By Teen's opinion

February 27, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

I am teen and I deal with the garbage you parents talk about all the time. Jesse’s Girl and Lyla’s dad are the people that have the “Honnor Student Sticker” on the back of their car . Take care of your kids and get of the blogs and get a job

By Teen's opinion

February 27, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

I am teen and I deal with the garbage you parents talk about all the time. Jesse’s Girl and Lyla’s dad are the people that have the “Honnor Student Sticker” on the back of their car . Take care of your kids and get of the blogs and get a job

By Teen's opinion

February 27, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

I am teen and I deal with the garbage you parents talk about all the time. Jesse’s Girl and Lyla’s dad are the people that have the “Honnor Student Sticker” on the back of their car . Take care of your kids and get of the blogs and get a job