Can Someone PLEASE Define Cussing/Profanity?

[righteousdude2]

I love the polls on profanity, but I am wondering if we are all on the same page as to what, EXACTLY, profanity is? Or, what constitutes profanity, especially in the eyes, minds and hearts of the believer?

Maybe while we take polla as to how bad, it is to cuss and swear, some of you can define just what profanity is. I was looking at some of the comments, and there were some words being tossed around that I thought were profanity.

One such word was the "c" word for human or animal excernent! I've heard Christian use it like just another word. However, the "s" form of that same word is consider to be profanity....what gives??? :BangHead:

 

[Berean]

I love the polls on profanity, but I am wondering if we are all on the same page as to what, EXACTLY, profanity is? Or, what constitutes profanity, especially in the eyes, minds and hearts of the believer?

Maybe while we take polla as to how bad, it is to cuss and swear, some of you can define just what profanity is. I was looking at some of the comments, and there were some words being tossed around that I thought were profanity.

One such word was the "c" word for human or animal excernent! I've heard Christian use it like just another word. However, the "s" form of that same word is consider to be profanity....what gives??? :BangHead:

Remember when Mr Wiffle was reluctant to use the words, toilet tissue? "Don't Squezze the Sharmen!"

 

[John of Japan]

I love the polls on profanity, but I am wondering if we are all on the same page as to what, EXACTLY, profanity is? Or, what constitutes profanity, especially in the eyes, minds and hearts of the believer?

Maybe while we take polla as to how bad, it is to cuss and swear, some of you can define just what profanity is. I was looking at some of the comments, and there were some words being tossed around that I thought were profanity.

One such word was the "c" word for human or animal excernent! I've heard Christian use it like just another word. However, the "s" form of that same word is consider to be profanity....what gives??? :BangHead:

The words being discussed are called in linguistics "taboo words." Here is a definition: "a word known to speakers but avoided in some, most, or all forms or contexts of speech, for reasons of religion, decorum, politeness, etc." (Oxford Concise Dictionary of Linguistics, by P. H. Matthews, p. 400).

In English there are three kinds of taboo words:

(1) Taking God's name in vain. (Japanese doesn't have this kind of taboo words.) This is unambiguous, meaning there is no doubt when this kind of taboo is used. It is when a person uses any name of God (God, Jesus, etc.) in a vain way, or in other words, as an expletive instead of with its real meaning. An expletive is a word used for its effect, rather than its true meaning.

(2) Cursing. This is actually cursing someone or something. It usually occurs in English with the word "d**n," which was originally a good English word but has become a taboo word. This is also an unambiguous expletive, meaning that it is obvious when it is used.

(3) Other expletives, often with meanings involved with bodily functions. This is kind of a catch-all category, and the usages are often ambiguous, meaning that depending on the society the words may be different. The two words mentioned in your OP were in this category. So, some British words are not taboo words in English, and vice versa. It is society which decides when and why these words are taboo words.

This third category is the one which has been problematic here on the BB. Some will say they are okay to use for a Christian, but I think they come under the heading "filthy language" (Col. 3:8, 2 Peter 2:7). Non-Christians, even when they themselves think taboo words are no big deal, are likely to be shocked and object when we Christians use them. They are a bad testimony all around, in my view.

 

[saturneptune]

I love the polls on profanity, but I am wondering if we are all on the same page as to what, EXACTLY, profanity is? Or, what constitutes profanity, especially in the eyes, minds and hearts of the believer?

Maybe while we take polla as to how bad, it is to cuss and swear, some of you can define just what profanity is. I was looking at some of the comments, and there were some words being tossed around that I thought were profanity.

One such word was the "c" word for human or animal excernent! I've heard Christian use it like just another word. However, the "s" form of that same word is consider to be profanity....what gives??? :BangHead:

Pastor Paul,
I think it is literally impossible to define profanity like you would say a Democrat, ie "a mindless carbon life form." We have two tools as born again Christians to help us, common sense and the Holy Spirit.

I understand what you are saying, as one could get by with cr** in a post here and get by with it, whereas if one used sh**, it would be edited in short order. In essence, there is nothing different between the two words.

And really, if one thinks about it, splitting hairs over the pronouncing of the words is a minue part of the problem. The intent of the eyes, mind, heart, and soul are where the filty thoughts are formed.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Pastor Paul,
I think it is literally impossible to define profanity like you would say a Democrat, ie "a mindless carbon life form." We have two tools as born again Christians to help us, common sense and the Holy Spirit.

I understand what you are saying, as one could get by with cr** in a post here and get by with it, whereas if one used sh**, it would be edited in short order. In essence, there is nothing different between the two words.

And really, if one thinks about it, splitting hairs over the pronouncing of the words is a minue part of the problem. The intent of the eyes, mind, heart, and soul are where the filty thoughts are formed.

Its when you start using the F bomb that everything goes to he two sticks!:laugh:
come on now!:tonofbricks:

 

[Oldtimer]

This third category is the one which has been problematic here on the BB. Some will say they are okay to use for a Christian, but I think they come under the heading "filthy language" (Col. 3:8, 2 Peter 2:7). Non-Christians, even when they themselves think taboo words are no big deal, are likely to be shocked and object when we Christians use them. They are a bad testimony all around, in my view.

Thank you, once again, John.

I just finished reading all 8 pages of the other thread. Originally, I left it when it turned into what is best left without description. Frankly, I wish I'd left it unread.

 

[John of Japan]

Thank you, once again, John.

I just finished reading all 8 pages of the other thread. Originally, I left it when it turned into what is best left without description. Frankly, I wish I'd left it unread.

It was a...it was a...it was something.

 

[jaigner]

Non-Christians, even when they themselves think taboo words are no big deal, are likely to be shocked and object when we Christians use them. They are a bad testimony all around, in my view.

I really mean no offense, but this demonstrates how completely out of touch fundamentalist Christians are with the larger culture. I have never known any non-Christian to be turned off the gospel because a Christian used strong language. I actually have found that it is a bad witness to bristle at strong language coming from an unbeliever (or believer, for that matter). That sort of behavior is borne out of legalistic indoctrination.

I think it's unhealthy to swear or curse flippantly, but have no problem with strong language for strong subject matter when appropriate.

 

[Zaac]

Scripture says:

Colossians 3:8 ESV

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.


Ephesians 5:4 ESV

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

We know what cussing and profanity are. :laugh: The purpose of our speech should be to praise God and to point others to Him. Our words are to be gracious and seasoned with salt.

But we know what is cussing or profane. That's why I have to check my Sunday School young men when they try to start with that "freakin' A" stuff.

 

[Revmitchell]

I really mean no offense, but this demonstrates how completely out of touch fundamentalist Christians are with the larger culture.

Let's see how to address this...........Baloney

 

[Monster]

The words being discussed are called in linguistics "taboo words." Here is a definition: "a word known to speakers but avoided in some, most, or all forms or contexts of speech, for reasons of religion, decorum, politeness, etc." (Oxford Concise Dictionary of Linguistics, by P. H. Matthews, p. 400).

In English there are three kinds of taboo words:

(1) Taking God's name in vain. (Japanese doesn't have this kind of taboo words.) This is unambiguous, meaning there is no doubt when this kind of taboo is used. It is when a person uses any name of God (God, Jesus, etc.) in a vain way, or in other words, as an expletive instead of with its real meaning. An expletive is a word used for its effect, rather than its true meaning.

(2) Cursing. This is actually cursing someone or something. It usually occurs in English with the word "d**n," which was originally a good English word but has become a taboo word. This is also an unambiguous expletive, meaning that it is obvious when it is used.

(3) Other expletives, often with meanings involved with bodily functions. This is kind of a catch-all category, and the usages are often ambiguous, meaning that depending on the society the words may be different. The two words mentioned in your OP were in this category. So, some British words are not taboo words in English, and vice versa. It is society which decides when and why these words are taboo words.

This third category is the one which has been problematic here on the BB. Some will say they are okay to use for a Christian, but I think they come under the heading "filthy language" (Col. 3:8, 2 Peter 2:7). Non-Christians, even when they themselves think taboo words are no big deal, are likely to be shocked and object when we Christians use them. They are a bad testimony all around, in my view.

Wonderfully put.

I'm a tad jealous of your multicultural experiences. I've had plenty of exposure to other cultures and nationalities via the internet and easy voip access, but it's become more apparent to me as I age that full exposure to non-'merican peoples gives entirely new perspectives.

For me, the bottom line is that the Holy Spirit convicts me of my more "colorful" language choices. I always know when I've crossed that uncanny line. The big trick was coming to the point in life where I fully accepted how wretched a man I am and stopped trying to justify my sinful inadequacies in this area.

We live in the re-burbs, lots of farmers and hicks. The language they use, very colorful, but not offensive given context. When I parrot their farm-terms in my personal context...oops! Time to get on my knees and confess.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Let's see how to address this...........Baloney

I consider Fundamentalist as bubble people (living in a bubble). I prefer a person who occasionally slips up & pronounces an "Expletive---Delete" & can have an occasional beer with you. Suddenly however you have to live your life like a Geneva Calvinist ....where every word is measured, where alcohol is forboten, where you must wear certain clothes...etc. The only thing missing is the dunk tank & stocks to put the rogues in.

 

[Revmitchell]

I consider Fundamentalist as bubble people (living in a bubble). I prefer a person who occasionally slips up & pronounces an "Expletive---Delete" & can have an occasional beer with you. Suddenly however you have to live your life like a Geneva Calvinist ....where every word is measured, where alcohol is forboten, where you must wear certain clothes...etc. The only thing missing is the dunk tank & stocks to put the rogues in.

Yes of course. Let's refrain from measuring our every word. Shoot.. of we do we might be a fundamentalist.

Mat_12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.


Rom_12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Yes of course. Let's refrain from measuring our every word. Shoot.. of we do we might be a fundamentalist.


Naaa, just dont be this;

Anal retentive
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The words anal-retentive (or anally retentive, anal retentive), often shortened to "anal", are used in everyday language to describe a person with so much attention to detail that the obsession becomes annoying to other people.

Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

 

[MB]

I love the polls on profanity, but I am wondering if we are all on the same page as to what, EXACTLY, profanity is? Or, what constitutes profanity, especially in the eyes, minds and hearts of the believer?

Maybe while we take polla as to how bad, it is to cuss and swear, some of you can define just what profanity is. I was looking at some of the comments, and there were some words being tossed around that I thought were profanity.

One such word was the "c" word for human or animal excernent! I've heard Christian use it like just another word. However, the "s" form of that same word is consider to be profanity....what gives??? :BangHead:

It seems to me to use the Lords name in vain is sin. Yet anything else is really nothing more than what disgust those who unfortunately have to listen to it.
MB

 

[jaigner]

Yes of course. Let's refrain from measuring our every word. Shoot.. of we do we might be a fundamentalist.

Mat_12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.


Rom_12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Ah, yes, the good old proof-texts, which really have little to do with what we're talking about here.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Ah, yes, the good old proof-texts, which really have little to do with what we're talking about here.

But its the fundi way!

 

[Salty]

I consider Fundamentalist as bubble people (living in a bubble). I prefer a person who occasionally slips up & pronounces an "Expletive---Delete" & can have an occasional beer with you. Suddenly however you have to live your life like a Geneva Calvinist ....where every word is measured, where alcohol is forboten, where you must wear certain clothes...etc. The only thing missing is the dunk tank & stocks to put the rogues in.

So you have no problem when folks used "racially sensitive terms" that some might find offensive.

Salty

PS, I think you meant "verboten"

 

[Revmitchell]

Ah, yes, the good old proof-texts, which really have little to do with what we're talking about here.

Well, in the liberal world any verse that proves the liberal error is a proof text and has "little" to do with what the liberal wants.

But if course when you redefine terms to fit your presupposition then it is clear you are at least being honest.


I will leave you to your liberal misery.

 

[Revmitchell]

Yes of course. Let's refrain from measuring our every word. Shoot.. of we do we might be a fundamentalist.


Naaa, just dont be this;

Anal retentive
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The words anal-retentive (or anally retentive, anal retentive), often shortened to "anal", are used in everyday language to describe a person with so much attention to detail that the obsession becomes annoying to other people.

Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

It is sad what people will do and say to justify poor behavior.