I think being against vulgar language is nothing more than a sign of conservative tastes. Anything else is an overreach in assumptions. Many of the most intelligent people I've known love to curse.
I can understand the assumption. If you have some idea of intelligence being exclusively expressed through demonstration of well-rounded vocabulary and a certain style of speaking, something along the lines of stereotypical caricatures of "nerds" and especially "snobby" upper class characters, or the idea that the quiet “good girl” and “nice guy” characters, who rarely curse, stereotypically, are the most hidden gems of brilliance and intellect around…then sure, I can see where you’d get the idea. But thats all based on myth, stereotypes, and assumptions. Not really any sound logic behind it. You’d do better to analyze the content of what is being said when judging intelligence, the arguments presented. The way someone speaks does factor in, but I don’t think cursing alone really carries much weight.
If they only curse and never seem to say much of substance or back their arguments in a logical manner or don’t demonstrate qualities that indicate intelligence, you could assume they aren’t very intelligent. And you would be more likely to be correct in that assessment vs the only you’re suggesting. However, you could still be incorrect.
All of my friends, past employers, professors, etc. consider me very intelligent, definitely above the average person. I agree with this. And I fucking love to curse my ass off. there's just something about vulgarity that attracts me, and I think a little "fuck" or "bitch" or "cunt" here and there adds the punch to my language that I like. :)
To me it isn't a sign of low intelligence, because my best friend does it more often than me and so do other people I know and they are smart. I find it more like a lack of manners depending on the case. Sure it can also relate to low intelligence, depending on the person.
Swearing can make you look very dense. I think that it is more of a display of how little patience you have and how ill-hearted you can be than a display of intelligence. Basically, the use of swear words is more of a character thing than brain power thing.
It might make you look unintelligent if used in excess but I think curse words pack a lot of punch and if used correctly can add emphasis to a point. They can also convey emotions such as anger, frustration, and passion in ways that other words just can't. The word "fuck" in particular is one of if nor the most versatile word in the English language. Personally I agree that excessive swearing can make you sound unintelligent but language in and of itself is not something that determines a persons intelligence. Vocabulary is just a type of knowledge, it has nothing to do with the processing power of their brain. Taking the time to further your vocabulary doesn't make you more intelligent, it just means that you've invested more time into memorizing words. A person that swears a lot either just lacks vocabulary or its just a habit that they've developed. I chose to believe that people that swear are just more passionate :) I'd also add that I think that it's just as bad when people whose vocabulary is so advanced that the people they are taking to don't even understand the words being used. Your message gets lost in translation. Sometimes speaking in lay man's terms can be beneficial.
I voted C.
You are certainly right as to the degree of one´s intelligence regarding how much one swears, it does imply that a person has a limited vocabulary or as you´ve already said does not know what else to say ( because the person is not eloquent/articulate).
Nevertheless, swearing might just be a (bad) habit, just like scratching your head every minute and is not to be perceived as actual swearing with a serious intention.
Plus, it might be a way to let off steam when a person is stressed out, which again is a healthy method to soothe oneself and to let out anger.
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I agree. I percieve people that swear a lot as less intelligent, and ordinary (that's just me).
I actually used to swear a lot for the reasons you describe above, lack of words to properly express myself in a foreign language. I then realized that it became a habit and I had almost lost my filter to control my mouth in certain situations. One day I heard someone with the foulest mouth and realized then I had to stop, otherwise I would appear like him.
I do seldomly swear now, like any normal person, but cut that bad habit right then.
Just because I don't care to entertain with an array of vocabulary to people I do not know or care for, doesn't mean I lack in intelligence.
In other words, who's gives a shit! FUCK world! I f nfieinfjrkenc (unintelligble)
It -can- make you look stupid, but it isn't a sign of lower intelligence. I know a few people who curse -alot- but are ambitious, high-achieving people. Personally, I curse a bit, but... hearing too much of it can be irritating.
It can be. But many highly intelligent people are to profanity. So it's more of a personality trait. How you use profanity can make a difference
I swear... I admitt it! I don't do it all the time just when I'm either really pissed or just shooting the shit haha
Let's just say it, i'm smart, everyone who knows me knows it, but i do swear A LOT. It's just a habit for me at least. And sorry for seeming like an arrogant asshole but that's just how it is, i'm not afraid to say it, i consider myself smart.
Stupid I may seem
Make more money I still shall
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