Why is cussing the only form of recognized "adult language"?

Good question, the kind that’s made me think about a phrase I always took for granted. “Adult language” was created by censors not only as a euphemism for cussing and sexual language, but more broadly, I imagine, for talk about serious topics once naively thought to be reserved grown-ups. Topics about sex, of course, but not only sex. Over time, it just became code for “bad” language (whatever your definition of that might be).

Please. Do you read The Economist ?
I have a subscription. Honest!

I find it funny when songs bleep out “shit” but have no problem with “hush, girl, shut your lips. Do the Helen Keller and talk with your hips.” Which do you think is more offensive? Hmmm

@Mariah I know, isn’t that odd? I’ve always found those lyrics to be way more offensive than using words like shit in a song. Yet I’m pretty sure 3oh!3 doesn’t get one of those parental advisory stickers on their cds, whereas bands who use “adult language” do. I think something strange is going on here….

I think George Carlin summed it up best. We’ve gone from “Shell shock” to “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder”. “Toilet paper” became “Bathroom tissue”.

Of course, as we drift into euphemisms, we stray from accuracy. Truth be told, I hear kids curse a lot more than adults. True “adult” language is more along the lines of either articulate dialog or “Get off my lawn!”.

@etignotasanimum
Speaking of lyrics and such people should be worried about kids hearing and getting ideals from:

Running down the length of my thighs, Sharona
Never gonna stop, give it up. Such a dirty mind.
Always get it up for the touch
of the younger kind. My my my i yi woo. M M M My Sharona…
The Knack

He’s a one stop shop, makes my panties drop
He’s a sweet talkin’ sugar coated candyman
A sweet talkin’ sugar coated candyman, ooh, yeah

He’s a one stop shop, makes my cherry pop
He’s a sweet talkin’ sugar coated candyman
A sweet talkin’ sugar coated candyman
Christina Aguilera

So band it over baby
Let me see it pop
On this tour bus we party til the panties drop
Fuck that put ya ass on the table
Thoroughbred bitch get fed in the stable
Back room look gather ‘round real quick
Bitch is suckin dick like carrots on a stick
Kottonmouth Kings

Talkin bout have patience but im tryna hit that spot
Make them panties drop, Gotta tongue to make ya cherry pop
while yo body rock…

I cant help it imma lover man, Magnum sized rubber and
Call me Bob the Builder im diggin it in, im shoveling
Booty like a southern band, get it from her mother man
She even say I lay the pipe better than her plumber can
Have that pearl sputterin, sweating like its summer jam
Priceless The Don Lust

Makes you wonder where the singer songwriters went? Seem all they can come up with today is sex, sex, and more sex or no one will listen.

You haven’t met my granddaughter.

Movies hardly need a warning for such language.