The Irish relationship with strong language

KingOfFairview · 14-09-2014 07:43PM #1

A perception exists that Irish people are unusually fond of doing "strong" language, i.e. cursing. It's a trait we share with the Scots.

So my question is this? Why? We are a nation of literary big-hitters, yet often find ourselves reduced to dropping f-bombs, rudely cursing at each other down the pub or telling people to 'ask my ass" when a simple no would do.

So; why?

0byme75341jo28 · 14-09-2014 07:44PM

Coz we're a bunch of cunts.

Toto Wolfcastle · 14-09-2014 07:46PM

I've never heard anyone saying 'ask my ass'.

I love cursing though. It's fcuking awesome.

KingOfFairview · 14-09-2014 07:47PM

Guys please, no cursing HERE.

Iwasfrozen · 14-09-2014 07:54PM

I never curse. I hate it and would find it hard to take anyone who does seriously.

KingOfFairview · 14-09-2014 07:57PM

Iwasfrozen wrote: »

I never curse. I hate it and would find it hard to take anyone who does seriously.

that must be difficult, because as the OP proves, we are a nation of cursers.

Fr_Dougal · 14-09-2014 07:58PM

KingOfFairview wrote: »

A perception exists that Irish people are unusually fond of doing "strong" language, i.e. cursing. It's a trait we share with the Scots.

So my question is this? Why? We are a nation of literary big-hitters, yet often find ourselves reduced to dropping f-bombs, rudely cursing at each other down the pub or telling people to 'ask my ass" when a simple no would do.

So; why?

Ah sure that's Fairview for you.

Birneybau · 14-09-2014 07:59PM

Go fcuk yourself.

krudler · 14-09-2014 07:59PM

I was told before moving to Canada that people here don't swear, my ass they don't.

C.K Dexter Haven · 14-09-2014 07:59PM

TheZohan wrote: »

Ah sure that's Fairview for you.

It was neither fair, nor a view

KingOfFairview · 14-09-2014 07:59PM

TheZohan wrote: »

Ah sure that's Fairview for you.

An old man once called me a 'cockbucket' as I took in my milk bottles one glorious summer morning. Ruined my whole day and if I may say so, he was quite the bollix himself

Iwasfrozen · 14-09-2014 07:59PM

KingOfFairview wrote: »

that must be difficult, because as the OP proves, we are a nation of cursers.

Actually I don't think we are. I can only think of a handful of people who curse regularly.

MRnotlob606 · 14-09-2014 08:02PM

Iwasfrozen wrote: »

Actually I don't think we are. I can only think of a handful of people who curse regularly.

Really ?

enda1 · 14-09-2014 08:02PM

Cause swearing is great.

krudler · 14-09-2014 08:04PM

enda1 wrote: »

Cause swearing is great.

When done properly it is, if someone was saying fuck every other word it just gets annoying but well placed swear words can make something funnier. Fuck and it's variations are brilliant words, can be used in nearly any context or meaning.

Iwasfrozen · 14-09-2014 08:05PM

MRnotlob606 wrote: »

Really ?

Yeah. Really.

RedemptionZ · 14-09-2014 08:06PM

Gonna be a cynical cnut here and say this is yet another example of thinking something is uniquely Irish when in fact, it's the same in nearly any place.

In general(and this is a generalisation I know) 'strong language' will be a lot more common the more working class the area is. Worldwide.

Been to Spain? When you are able to speak spanish you learn very quickly that they are, shall we say, very creative with some of their swear words. Same with Russian. Then closer to home we have the British, 'are you avin a fuckin laff' types.

Basically we have no special relationship with strong language. And going to the pub isn't an exclusively Irish thing either.

KingOfFairview · 14-09-2014 08:07PM

RedemptionZ wrote: »

Gonna be a cynical cnut here and say this is yet another example of thinking something is uniquely Irish when in fact, it's the same in nearly any place.

In general(and this is a generalisation I know) 'strong language' will be a lot more common the more working class the area is. Worldwide.

Been to Spain? When you are able to speak spanish you learn very quickly that they are, shall we say, very creative with some of their swear words. Same with Russian. Then closer to home we have the British, 'are you avin a fuckin laff' types.

Basically we have no special relationship with strong language.

Nonesense.

krudler · 14-09-2014 08:08PM

RedemptionZ wrote: »

Gonna be a cynical cnut here and say this is yet another example of thinking something is uniquely Irish when in fact, it's the same in nearly any place.

In general(and this is a generalisation I know) 'strong language' will be a lot more common the more working class the area is. Worldwide.

Been to Spain? When you are able to speak spanish you learn very quickly that they are, shall we say, very creative with some of their swear words. Same with Russian. Then closer to home we have the British, 'are you avin a fuckin laff' types.

Basically we have no special relationship with strong language.

That really, some people swear, some don't. Geographical location doesn't really have much to do with it. I've heard Americans swear like sailors, and met Americans who "damn" was something they'd never even say.

krudler · 14-09-2014 08:09PM

Iwasfrozen wrote: »

Yeah. Really.

I seriously doubt that tbh

Iwasfrozen · 14-09-2014 08:10PM

krudler wrote: »

I seriously doubt that tbh

Doubt it if you want but it's the truth.

KingOfFairview · 14-09-2014 08:11PM

Iwasfrozen wrote: »

Doubt it if you want but it's the truth.

No it isn't. They must just know you have a bug up your ass about cursing and hold back in front of you. Even my mom-in-law says awful things when she thinks no ones about.

Dirty Dingus McGee · 14-09-2014 08:13PM

What the hell is wrong with a supposedly bad word.

For me saying something is a load of bollocks or pure sh1te is a far better way to describe something than saying its rubbish.

Swear words are fairly harmless. You could eff and blind your whole life an be the nicest person around and the fella who uses nice language could be the biggest **** you'll ever meet.

Gbear · 14-09-2014 08:14PM

KingOfFairview wrote: »

So my question is this? Why? We are a nation of literary big-hitters, yet often find ourselves reduced to dropping f-bombs,

I'd consider it to be absolutely the opposite. To be reduced to not cursing would make language a far more boring experience.

Catharsis for the user, comedy for the person hearing it.

The content of what's being said - the meaning behind it - is the most important, but swearing is an invaluable tool in any person's verbal arsenal and to eschew using because you're, well... a giant pussy, is ignorant and a missed opportunity.

Iwasfrozen · 14-09-2014 08:20PM

KingOfFairview wrote: »

No it isn't. They must just know you have a bug up your ass about cursing and hold back in front of you. Even my mom-in-law says awful things when she thinks no ones about.

You think it's more probable that the majority of people I know, family, friends, coworkers, acquaintances would indefinitely abstain from cursing in front of me because they know I don't like it rather than simply preferring not to curse? Seriously?

You're clutching at straws there dude I'm not that scary.

Iwasfrozen · 14-09-2014 08:24PM

With regards to people who curse a lot I think there tends to be a large degree of narcissism and lack of self control involved.

The "society can't tell me what to do" crowd.

krudler · 14-09-2014 08:24PM

Iwasfrozen wrote: »

You think it's more probable that the majority of people I know, family, friends, coworkers, acquaintances would indefinitely abstain from cursing in front of me because they know I don't like it rather than simply preferring not to curse? Seriously?

You're clutching at straws there dude I'm not that scary.

No I just doubt that the majority of people you know never swear, it's pretty logical to assume you know a few people who do. What company you're in can affect how much you swear too, I'd rarely curse in front of my parents, which is probably silly being that I'm in my 30's, but still swear around friends.

Skylinehead · 14-09-2014 08:26PM

Iwasfrozen wrote: »

Doubt it if you want but it's the truth.

Based on?

RustyNut · 14-09-2014 08:33PM

Turtyturd · 14-09-2014 08:33PM

The OP proves f*ck all tbh.

I reckon most people switch it on and off given the situation. In work meetings I never use it, around the kids I never use it, with clients I would occasionally use it, same with co-workers, in informal conversations with them I would use it more often, and with friends I would use it more regularly.

I reckon most people are the same and those who use it every second word are the minority.

Iwasfrozen · 14-09-2014 08:37PM

Skylinehead wrote: »

Based on?

What?

The Irish relationship with strong language

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