Has the word "fuck" lost it's power in the Western world?
Asked by
josie (
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November 27th, 2010
The way I see it, the word carried a lot of weight when it made a direct or vague reference to wanton sexual intercourse, a notion that Christendom has never been totally comfortable with, or rape.
Even into the 20th century, the phrase “fuck you” probably had something to do with wishing that Satan, or someone you did not like or found revolting, would have his way with you.
But in the mid to late 20th century, certainly since WWII, it has become more of a type of punctuation, an enhancement if you will. As in “fucking asshole” or a description, as in “fuck up”.
Has the word “fuck” lost some of it’s power as it has become used in so many ways other than a reference to an erect penis, or a similarly shaped object, entering some sort of orifice?
It really is not like me to be so… direct. But I am sort of tired of asking questions about political correctness, cooking, dogs, or Islam.
I thought I would walk on the wild side for once.
Plus, I do use the word occasionally, so, what the f***?
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16 Answers
Ha! In my opinion, the word “fuck” did lose some meaning. I remember, even 5 years ago, any phrase or sentence containing “fuck” was the most terrible thing to say. Now, it’s the word “cunt?” Maybe? Even so, when I use “fuck,” I don’t literally mean it. When I say it, it is usually used towards one of my friends, playing around…
Apparently so, my Daughter In Law says it all the time, and so does my toddler grandson. I see it on at least on quip in nearly every Fluther question.
@YARNLADY If it bothers you, I am sorry to add to your consternation. Otherwise, thanks for your comment.
How come “YARNLADY”? Does that have something to do with knitting?
@josie I still believe the old fashioned notion that foul language is indeed foul. Once at a store, a worker dropped something and said “Oh fuck”. I said “No thank you, I’m not in the mood” and the worker said “Huh?” He had no idea what he had just said, it was just a noise to him.
I always solicit donations of yarn for the gifts I make for charity fairs and auctions, so people who don’t even know my name, know me as the YARNLADY.
@YARNLADY You were one of my first interactions on Fluther, and I have always regarded you in high esteem since then. And you are correct. Foul language is indeed foul.
I love the word. I say it all day, every day.
Fuck, FUCK, FUCK.
I do feel it’s inappropriate in certain circles, though. I was helping my uncle move a few weeks ago, and there was a six year-old running around the premises – he must have heard ‘fuck’ at least 20 times that afternoon. Not once from me though.
I have to agree with @YARNLADY that foul/bad language is not good. It’s ugly and usually meant to be provactive. That kind of language is used far too often amongst young people, celebrities and some people on Fluther. I wish the mods at Fluther would say that foul language is not compatible with their writing standards. There’s quite a few minors that go on Fluther and it’s not helpful that the grown ups in here promote that kind of language as though its totally normal and acceptable.
It certainly has. As its use has become more widespread, it naturally loses its power.
Also, I’m not certain because I don’t know exactly when the various meanings of fuck arose, but “fuck you” is most likely related to masturbation (i.e. “go fuck yourself”) rather than being raped by the devil.
Personally, I don’t support the idea of ‘foul language’. Of course, people should adapt their language to the situation, but censorship in the media is unnecessary.
I am with @YARNLADY. Maybe I’m just an old fuddy-duddy, but I think that the overuse of foul language trivializes its impact when it is needed and called for.
And yes, the F word has lost a great deal of its power. Thankfully, the actual action still rocks like GANGBUSTERS.
When you are around ESL learners it makes alot of sense. The F word is an informal word. It’s a word that you can use as many parts of speech, and when you use it with your friends it can be playful or angry. The use of the F word in formal setting should continue to be frowned upon because of it’s the shock factor. I agree with @YARNLADY that it shouldn’t be used around small children…
I don’t want my six year old daughter saying fuckity fuck, but words are only powerful if you let them be. Only you have the power to let such words bother you.
sticks and stones
One other idea I just thought of is the show Deadwood. I believe I read somewhere that the language of the time in Deadwood were words like damn, fart, and hell, however the creator of the show decided to make the language much more coarse by then standards because 1876 wild west language just wasn’t coarse enough to show now audiences what it really was like (hence the shows outrageous use of the words ‘cocksucker’, ‘cunt’, and ‘motherfucker’. Maybe there will come along a new slang word that somewhat outdoes the f word in another 100 years?
I don’t think words ever matter, rather than the intent which carries them, which is as old as the dawn of man itself.
That said, what with all the constant fuss and outrage over that word, and other cuss words in our modern societies, I’d say it still has quite a lot of power.
It would sound a little odd if it was replaced thus, “Shut the sex up!” or, “What the make love!” or “My name is Buck & i’m here to fornicate!” I like fuck…....has a nice clean ring to it. Just like sumo wrestlers :¬)
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