Surprise! Why the F-Word Is OK to SayThe f-word may be considered one of the English language's most offensive swearwords, but researchers from Victoria University in New Zealand report it may be okay to say it at work--under certain circumstances.
According to these daring researchers, saying the f-word within the confines of your own work team helps to build and reinforce team morale, reports New Zealand's Dominion Post. They came to this startling conclusion after analyzing the conversation patterns of a work team laboring in an unidentified soap factory.
The eye-popping findings:
- The f-word was easily the most commonly used swearword.
- When it was said within the context of this close-knit work team, it was not considered offensive.
- Since the basic attitude in the group was one of friendliness where the workers genuinely liked and respected one another, they could use such oaths without being rude or insulting.
"Forms of f*** occur frequently in certain contexts and serve a range of functions, including the role of positive politeness strategy," wrote study leader and linguistics professor Janet Holmes in the international Journal of Pragmatics. "F*** is regularly associated with expressions of solidarity, including friendly terms of address."
And there's also good news for work whiners! The study found that complaining to a sympathetic colleague can help build solidarity among co-workers. The researchers defined whining as a "long or repeated expression of discontent not necessarily intended to change or improve the unsatisfactory situation." Complaining is an emotional release that can build rapport. "Teammates regularly have a moan to each other," Holmes wrote in the journal. "Whining to a sympathetic co-worker both reflects and constructs the close relationship between team members, thus consolidating the team's solidarity."
A word of caution: Swearwords, especially the f-word, must only be said in the appropriate context.
But the fact that it can be said at all at work and be acceptable is proof positive that our language is constantly evolving.
( http://channels.aimtoday.com/careers/package.jsp?name=fte/fword/fword )
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:?...ran up on this thru AIM....
maybe it'z just me, but i can't see how this would be the most commonly use cuss word in tha work place :? (like, how many different ways could u possibly use it in that environment?!?)
"damn," maybe...not not "f*ck"...but again...maybe it'z just me...
based on US History, the only "curse" word is damn...according to my AP US History teacher...he said the word "damn" was used to "curse" ppl (hence the name)...f*ck, sh*t, bit*h, and etc. are only curse words according to today's standards...just a little knowledge :lol:
f*ck f*ck f*ckity f*ck....i love doing that
based on US History, the only "curse" word is damn...according to my AP US History teacher...he said the word "damn" was used to "curse" ppl (hence the name)...f*ck, sh*t, bit*h, and etc. are only curse words according to today's standards...just a little knowledge :lol:
i can believe that....i've always wondered how those words became offensive & negative in the 1st place :?
like why those & no others??
i think there r 7 words that for a long time were prohibited from being said on television....one of my media teachers last year told me they've become lenient about that over the last few years or so...
so after "damn," "f*ck," "sh*t," & "b*tch"....what would be the other 3??? is "hell" one, depending on the content of its use?
