Curse; Cuss; Swear

 

Curse ; Cuss; Swear….

By

Vivek Hande

Cuss; Curse; Swear. These words are kind of synonymous. Cuss is a more colloquial American English word. It refers to using expletives or use of profanity, such as a curse word or oath or to swear. Cursing is a more formal and versatile expression which could mean the same as cuss (use of expletives or profane language) or to put misfortune or evil on someone. Etymologically, they all have an origin in the Church. To wish misfortune or evil on someone was considered going against the faith and hence a use of profanity. It is fair to say that as long as language has existed, cursing and cussing has been an integral part of communication.

So much for the origins. A lot of studies have indicated the benefits of cursing. It has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. It is known to contribute to mental and psychological and social well-being. Interestingly, folks who curse less benefit more when they do curse! It is also been shown in studies to improve physical performance. It might bring people socially closer and feel engendered. It has , in studies, shown to reduce pain or produce hypoalgesia.

There are some friends of mine(especially of a certain community; you know them) who pepper every sentence with the most colourful expletives. In fact, they barely use non expletives to communicate. Yet the tone and tenor of the cursing and cussing can convey wrath, anger, affection, tenderness, warmth, conviction, commitment and myriad other sentiments. They truly seem the happiest folks around.There are some who seem apologetic after using a cuss word and somehow you feel like putting an arm around them to let them know it happens. It is bit of a cultural thing as well. Certain ethnicities seem to use profanities more naturally and it is almost unnatural to see a ‘non cusser’. In some languages, even the curses sound delightfully sweet.  

The English Language has refined the fine art of cursing to another level. It has shades of subtlety, sarcasm, wit, poison, humour all rolled into the lexicon. The mode of delivery can make a mild sounding profanity the worst curse. ‘Bloody’ and ‘Bollocks’ are often used to intensify the impact. Some are fairly mild and actually sound funny and amusing rather than hurtful. Muppet is a foolish or incompetent person; Plonker is someone who makes poor decisions; Turnip is a stupid or slow person; Pudding is an extremely silly person who keeps making mistakes! Tosser; Bugger; Twit; Twat; Wanker are variations used with different intensity. Neek is a new one, often used affectionately to curse someone – a combination of nerd and geek.

There is commerce built around cursing and cussing. There was a very well received Korean reality show a few years ago where the world’s first cursing tournament was held and the rudest person won 20 thousand US dollars. The clear winner was a grandmother who cursed her way past the opponents to her bank. There are multiple books which have been written on this very important subject. I personally liked “Uglier than a Monkey’s Armpit. The Best Curses; Putdowns and Invective from around the world,” by Dr Robert Vanderplank, an unputdownable bestseller. There is an International Cursing Day when one can throw caution to the wind and let the internet sizzle with creative curses. This important day is celebrated on 9 November.

There are some international curses which one must have in one’s vocabulary. It makes you sound worldly wise, well-travelled, sophisticated and erudite. Also, most of the time, the recipient won’t understand it and it adds to one’s personal joy and satisfaction. My personal favourites include Fahr Zur Holle (German – straight; simple, efficient- Go to Hell); Pendejo (Mexican Spanish – Idiot); Crotte De Bique (French had to be – stylish way to call someone Goat poop) and Kurva (Czech/ Polish – best left untranslated but conveys the worst when delivered with vengeance).

And then you have Captain Haddock, the legendary sailor created by Herge. The author circumvented the very strict censorship guidelines on profanity by some very colourful use of vocabulary to create unforgettable curses. There are Tintinologists who meet regularly to analyze these swear words even today. Abecedarians; Anacoulthons; Baltic Beetle; Cercopithecus; Dunderheaded Coconuts; Gibbering anthropoids; Lily Livered bandicoots are just some of the gems Captain Haddock has given us!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coleman Young firmly believes, “Swearing is an art form. You can express yourself much more exactly, much more succinctly with properly used curse words.” And there is another perspective – Paul Begala, well known American political consultant and commentator says “ I am actually pro- cursing. I think it is good. I think we should teach kids to curse so they don’t use drugs. It doesn’t rot your brain. It doesn’t get you pregnant. It doesn’t rot your brain. it doesn’t kill you like tobacco”.

One may have one’s views on this but I do think once in a while a well-timed cuss or curse is soup for the soul. Ostrogoth! Overstuffed water buffaloes! Pestilential pachyderm! Slithering Salamander!