The rise of the "F" word - What does it mean?

[ChiroDoc]

Over the past 10-15 years we’ve seen the inexorable spread of the use of the “F” word. Its increasingly commonplace usage would have shocked most people a decade or more ago. These days we see and hear it in almost every grammatical form: noun, verb, adjective, adverb, idiom, and interjection.

Today I was stunned to read a quote in which the President of the United States uttered the word during a statement to the press. In my opinion that’s a new and remarkable low.

Some might say, “What’s the big deal? It’s only a word.” Yet there are several other words of which those folks might not hold the same cavalier opinion.

So why does it matter? Because every society has standards to which most people adhere. Those standards are not laws, they’re simply unwritten outlines that summarize general parameters to which the average rational person tacitly agrees. Only in unusual instances are those parameters exceeded.

I’m no Puritan. At times I use the word myself, although never in mixed company, in the presence of a woman, or in writing. Call me old-fashioned, but that’s the way I was reared. In my youth the word’s use was so rare that it was shocking to hear it, and presumably that was the point. But today it’s fairly rare to see a film or TV series where the word is not liberally used, oftentimes to absurd lengths.

In my view the increasingly ubiquitous use of the “F” word is emblematic of expanding societal decay. There are many other culprits of course, but when society’s standards, values and morals start to disintegrate, humanity suffers.

 

[Llynn]

It's the triumph of the vulgarians over a polite society. I blame TV and movies.

 

[Victor]

American publishers have used f word for a long time now, even in the titles like f*** in order to grab attention to the lowest level of readers. Whole pages of the word. If they resort to this gimmick, then I know the material is garbage or waste of time. It's for the youth and coarse folks who don't care
.Presidents have used vulgar talk, but usually not to the press.
It's not decay, just bad manners and bad writing meant to shock.

 

[ChiroDoc]

It's the triumph of the vulgarians over a polite society. I blame TV and movies.

You make a good point. But i think that the usage on TV and movies is a symptom, not a cause. No question though that it's use in those media is sometimes is so plentiful that it's like fingernails scraping on a blackboard...

 

[OneEyedDiva]

I hate the flagrant use of the F and MF words! To me it shows a lack of imagination, command of the English language and writing skills. Too many great shows have aired that never had to use that language. Even though I despise the use of those words, and these days it's overuse, I am watching a couple of shows that I think are otherwise very good shows. I've had to tolerate it, I guess, but I never want to become so desensitized that I think it's okay.

I really appreciate my favorite shows that don't use that language. As someone pointed out in a Facebook thread, network T.V. still doesn't allow the use of those words, but cable channels do. One of the reasons I don't bother with HBO and MAX. I think having to resort to using that language is an indication of the degradation of societal values. Where (and when) I grew up, even the boys didn't talk like that. And we couldn't even say damn, let alone any other curse word in front of our parents. Now children (including adult children) talk like that in front of their parents.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

F is a great word at the right time. There is something about a well placed F. Life is not all cuddly bunnies, rainbows and flowers, at times an F is needed. That said, an F works only once. Used more than once indicates rage and frustration on the part of the speaker.

 

[RedAlert76]

There is an art to cursing- literally. Cursing of any kind is to bring make a valid point and shock to attention. Any word repeated continuously becomes annoying. Cussing is like the pouch line of a joke, timing is everything.
Writers today over use and abuse the F word. Clearly they have run out of ideas on to how hold attention.
Years ago I worked with a young gal who was always reading the Bible early of morning before others arrived. She never cursed yet she was not prudish. I came in one morning there she was reading the Bible, greetings, then to my desk that sat directly across from her.
In a few minutes I heard a hard slam, to see she had closed the Bible and slammed it down on her desk . Our eyes might and she said -Ya know what ? I think we should get drunk and have a good F#$%^! I fell out of my chair. That people is great timing and a true shock value.

 

[Ted01]

Just to be clear... it's not "Farfenuggen" that we're talking about?

 

[Nathan]

Today I was stunned to read a quote in which the President of the United States uttered the word during a statement to the press. In my opinion that’s a new and remarkable low.

Yes, a new low, consider the source.

 

[Elsie]

I hate the flagrant use of the F and MF words! To me it shows a lack of imagination, command of the English language and writing skills. Too many great shows have aired that never had to use that language. Even though I despise the use of those words, and these days it's overuse, I am watching a couple of shows that I think are otherwise very good shows. I've had to tolerate it, I guess, but I never want to become so desensitized that I think it's okay.

I really appreciate my favorite shows that don't use that language. As someone pointed out in a Facebook thread, network T.V. still doesn't allow the use of those words, but cable channels do. One of the reasons I don't bother with HBO and MAX. I think having to resort to using that language is an indication of the degradation of societal values. Where (and when) I grew up, even the boys didn't talk like that. And we couldn't even say damn, let alone any other curse word in front of our parents. Now children (including adult children) talk like that in front of their parents.

I very much agree with your summation. We're not to hate, right? But I HATE the use of the foul F word. As has been said, using that word to express whatever, is just a sign that you are ignorant of the word that would correctly make your point............

 

[Disgustedman]

Some of the condensed reports I get (Mainly Pirate Wire Daily) makes liberal use of the word. It reinforces my desire to acquire housing, dumping internet (only keeping a few sites (mainly Amazon, Senior Forums)

Subscribing to delivered newspaper and books and buying old video game sets.

 

[ohioboy]

Whe I get the urge to say the F homb, I just say "Oh, Waldo Diefenderfer".

 

[seadoug]

I only use the "F" word when I'm by myself in the car and someone does something stupid or with my hubby. I would never use it in public or mixed company. What is sad to me is that it is as common with young people as any other word. They use it repeatedly in everyday conversation, not for emphasis.

 

[Babs2u]

I agree that the word is overused out of laziness or stupidity or lack of imagination. The greater contribution to the downfall of society is the unwillingness to confront all the lies that are out there. Yes, teach the children not to swear but also teach them that lying, cheating and bullying are unacceptable. And don't admire those who deal in them.

 

[MarkinPhx]

I never used the word that much but I have trained myself to use the word Frak instead. It works for me. Battlestar Galactica fans will get the reference.

 

[SeaBreeze]

Today I was stunned to read a quote in which the President of the United States uttered the word during a statement to the press. In my opinion that’s a new and remarkable low.

I completely agree. I've been hearing it repeatedly on the television news, not the standard that should be set for young children to hear from someone who should show a little bit of class and restraint in that position of power. I was not stunned though, I expected it from that individual and there will be more to come.

 

[SeaBreeze]

I only use the "F" word when I'm by myself in the car and someone does something stupid or with my hubby. I would never use it in public or mixed company. What is sad to me is that it is as common with young people as any other word. They use it repeatedly in everyday conversation, not for emphasis.

I drop the F bomb every day at some point, and I'm all alone in my house except for my furbabies. It is always for emphasis though. The word does not bother me, but I don't use it in front of children or anyone who may be offended.