Freedom Area High School's Student Newspaper

FHS Press

Freedom Area High School's Student Newspaper

FHS Press

Freedom Area High School's Student Newspaper

FHS Press

Swearing to the extreme

There are quite a few synonyms available for curse words: cuss words, expletives, obscenities, profanities and swear words. All of those adjectives, and none of them involving swear words. Freedom students have definitely improved their language from prior years. However, usage of profanities is still higher than it should be. I’m sure you’ve heard it through the halls and on occasion–swearing is something that has become somewhat of normality for teenagers today. While I understand that curse words are a part of life, in school and out, I don’t believe they should be used as loosely as they are. It’s not just Freedom students who overuse swear words. I hear it everywhere I go: work, school and even while I’m out and about; cursing seems to be prevalent in every aspect of our daily lives. It’s not the curse words that are the problem; it’s how they’re used. It’s seems that instead of finding more intelligent and civilized ways of getting their point across, most teenagers just drop a few F-bombs in exchange for suitable adjectives. There is no need to use obscenities in between every other word, so learn some adjectives, kids. It’s not a crime to expand your vocabulary. I promise that by using a variety of different adjectives you sound just as cool as dropping a few curse words. You won’t sound as vulgar, and your teachers will appreciate the use of the English language. High school is preparing us for our future, so why not start practicing good communication habits now? Getting a job in this economy is a difficult thing to do. No respectable business is going to hire a foul-mouthed employee. Mark Twain once said, “The idea that no gentleman ever swears is all wrong. He can swear and still be a gentleman if he does it in a nice and benevolent and affectionate way.” It’s crazy to think that no one swears; the trick is using your words in a way that is tasteful and appropriate. Swearing does not make you an unintelligent person, but it does make it more difficult to be taken seriously. If you want to be treated like an adult, then I suggest you clean up the language and start using those adjectives.