Taboo Language.

           All languages have words that are considered taboo, words that are not supposed to be said or used. Taboo words can be used in many different ways and they can have different meanings depending on what context they appear in. Another aspect of taboo words is the euphemisms that are used in order to avoid obscene speech. Taboo words are often avoided and are used to offend races, genders, and etc. I think people should be informed on the origin of taboo words because knowing the reasons certain words became taboo in the first place can make a difference in our language. The level of offensiveness of a word depends on our culture or it varies on our environment, but learning about their origin can make a difference on how we understand and use these words. Taboo words are those that are to be avoided entirely, or at least avoided in “mixed company” or “polite company”. The most common swear words used by people are Damn! or Shit!The kind of language we use with others dictates the kind of relationship we want to have with them. Also the level in emotion we put on these word can affect how they are perceived by others.

            John McWhorter wrote in “Letting Words Fly” that we criticize Taboo language in media and in the public so often that we aren’t focusing on what is more important. He explains that actions speak louder then words. We shouldn’t sit around and obsess over words but get up and take action in the world. The media has taken such an effect in our society that even if we didn’t watch the news or listen to the radio, people all around us are talking about it. You can hear more than half of these words uncensored and are considered perfectly acceptable. I was surprised to hear that Bitch wasn’t bleeped out anymore and I’m perfectly fine with it. We have all these TV and movie ratings now that we shouldn’t be surprised if a curse word comes flying out of someone’s mouth. There has been an increase in the use of slang and profanity among teenagers. Some use curse words to get attention, to fit in at school, and others use it as a result of hearing it from their parents or on their favorite show. Back in the day, you would be punished if you were ever caught swearing but now it is becoming a normal thing.

We are all human. We hear, feel, and say things and we all like to speak our minds. We all know right from wrong and being the older sister in my family I wouldn’t want to expose such language to my younger siblings. Taboo words are learned from spoken language, it is neither taught. It is up to ourselves whether or not we want to use this language or not.