January 30, 2013
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When Writers Drop The F Bomb
I have a pet peeve. I hate the word F**k, whether it be in conversations or articles, or books. This aversion to what I call the “F Bomb” is not new. So, before you start thinking that this is just a prudish Grandma’s outlook on this subject, let me tell you that I have always hated this word. Why? Because it is a crude, nasty and offensive word that makes me cringe every time I have heard it used or seen it used by a writer.Let’s start off with the definition. I’ll give you the short version, it’s the act of sexual intercourse! No big surprise, after all, this word has been around since the 1400′s, so most people know what it means. These days, it is thrown out as an intensifier or an insult but basically the use of the word is universally found to be just downright vulgar.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I do not consider the act of sex to be vulgar. Far from it, I believe intercourse can be the most heavenly thing (oh, yes, even at my age!) But, try turning to your partner, look into his or her eyes and ask, “Do you want to f**k?” Good luck on that one, you romantic devil you.
So, why do we, as writer’s, consider it necessary to use this word in our works? Some writer’s use it for the simple shock factor. They believe that putting the F bomb in their titles will draw an larger audience. Or, they drop the bomb numerous times in their piece, feeling that they are relating with their readers.
I, for one, will quickly scroll down if you have the F word in your title. Sorry, just the way I am! If I start reading your piece and you start dropping the bomb more than once, I run for the hills and quickly go to block, unfollow or whatever method I can find to prevent me from having to read your work again. So, if your target audience for your writing is limited to readers who are used to the continuous use of this vile word…count me out. But, if you truly want a larger audience, don’t drop the bomb. Use another word, phrase or intensifier to put your thoughts out there!
If you argue that it is necessary to use the bomb to keep up with today’s readers, I point you to the books of one of the most read writers over the past 3 or 4 decades, Stephen King. He’s a master at using characters from all walks of life, and I may be wrong, but I don’t believe that I’ve had to duck the F bomb in any of his books, and I have read the majority of them. If he has used the F word, it was so subtle that I didn’t feel I had been slapped in the face with it.
So, is it really necessary to use the word f**k to attract readers…I think not. And as for the word “Motherf***er,” don’t even get me started. That’s another rant for another day.
DO YOU DROP THE BOMB? WHEN AND WHY OR WHY NOT?
Comments (119)
Never have never will – not in my everyday (or special occasion) speech nor in my written word. I was taught that only small minded (or simple minded) folk used vulgar language and that English was rich enough to find colorful and exciting subtitutes for such talk.
i’m ashamed to say that i use it. not too long ago, i didn’t. didn’t even think it. but once it slips out, it comes down easier. (just like all the lines that can be crossed). i agree with you, though. writers use it when they don’t have access to anything better.
I use the word in fiction because it seems to flow naturally from the context and avoiding it would make things conspicuous and awkward. Unless of course it is the nature of the character to avoid it. For example the weird, perverted guy in the Hangover movies that keeps feeding his friends dope and causing them all trouble. As warped as he is, he cannot say this or any other such word and that is just part of who he is.
Sometimes avoidance of this and other such words can reach ludicrous extremes. Such as when Peter of “Family Guy” says, “Holy Crap.” Even worse, when in place of the F word someone says, “Having sex with.” Not only is this phrase awkward; it absolutely makes me cringe because it is unnecessary unless it’s on broadcast or basic cable.
Offensive or not, there is just no other word that is as expressive and emotionally satisfying to use.
With all due respect, I am an author (a mystery writer) and I use the word f**k in my writing. Not all the time, off course, but still I do use it sometimes. I use it with full knowledge that it may at times cost me readers. So let me take a moment and explain. F**k is part of the lexicon, part of the wordstock of language. As a writer, I need every word in the lexicon at my disposal because every word is unique. Every word carries both its denotative and its connotative meanings. Two words that have the same denotative meaning (the same dictionary definition) may have very different connotative meanings (different associations). That is why synonyms cannot be used interchangeably in any particular sentence. Although they “mean” the same thing, they carry very different connotations. Every word that I put to paper I select carefully, deliberately, purposefully. Sometimes that careful, deliberate, purposeful process leads me to the decision that the only word that communicates the precise blend of denotation and connotation is f**k.
Amen to that!@murisopsis -
Nothing to be ashamed of..just suggesting you find another way to get those thoughts out there.@promisesunshine -
I hear what you’re saying. At times, your characters need to use street jargon. I’m not a snob…I just hate the word! Anything you’ve written that I can go out and read? Let me know…love a good mystery!@doahsdeer -
Hey, thanks for the rec. As for emotionally satisfying…hmmm. Can’t say I agree with that! But, my piece was an expression of my views. I’m sure others have their view on what they like to read! @ascultafili -
I’m not fussed about the use of the Fword in fiction nor if used in context in documentaries (a recent documentary about Pompeii concentrated partly on the graffiti and didn’t stray from the vernacular) but I do cringe when I hear it over-used in conversations. It was my misfortune to be acquainted with an individual who literally used it as every other word in a sentence. Even about making a cup of coffee.
Strangely, though, one of the elderly porters at work swears all the time but from him it seems quite gentle as though it means nothing. Weird that.
I use it very rarely in anger or frustration.
@crankycaregiver - Thanks for asking about my books. I write a humorous amateur sleuth mystery series. So far, I’ve had three published, Who is Killing Doah’s Deer, A Minor Case of Murder and It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Murder. If your public library doesn’t have them, you can probably get a copy through an inter-library loan.
my amazon page
my website
Effff yeah. But usually in conversation with my peers. There is no place for it writing.
I see no need for the F bomb in blogging. To crude an dusually the language that goes with it is something this old broad does not care to read.
Dear Caregiver,
I somewhat recognize your username. Perhaps I’ve visited in the past. Perhaps not. Thank you for your recent visit to and comment on my blog. (It was almost a week ago, an eternity in internet time, but it takes me a while to return my correspondence.)Before responding to the entry at hand, I read your entry below about Danny and his colonoscopy. I always chuckle when thinking about mine, (which may have to be repeated now that I think about it. I’m turning 60 this year.)In case you’re interested, here is my Xanga blog entry titled “My Colonoscopy”.When writing, I use asterisks instead of spelling out curse words. I can swear like a sailor (although I like the phrase “oh fudge” instead of the fbomb way, it’s cuter I think. I have been known to say “fu**adoodle” on occasion. I think I made the word up, and it sort of downplays the fbomb don’t ya think?)Some bloggers (I won’t call them writers) think using profanity is bound to get readers. Of a certain stripe perhaps.I’m with you. Don’t think of this viewpoint as a “prudish grandma’s outlook” at all. I will admit that sometimes I will write a curse word in toto. If one doesn’t overuse something, (the phrase “moderation in all things comes to mind) then using it packs more of a whallop.Neat what you say about King. I always like how he can describe something by not really describing it too. He’s a true marvel as a writer. Michael F. Nyiri, poet, philosopher, fool
@doahsdeer - this. what he said. Except I will add that there is rarely an occasion that I purposefully try to make my characters in order for my audience to be able to relate. My characters are and either you get them or you don’t.
I also have the tendency to use the word in real life depending on the company I keep. If I am with people that I feel more like myself around, the f word will fly. Not like it did when I was younger, but my language is still colorful. It’ll probably always be even when I become a grandma.
Sometimes I say it, but I can’t recall ever writing it. Maybe though?? I have an aversion to it, too, in conversation but sometimes in a certain circle I use it. It’s almost as if I don’t, I am judging them – which many people assume I do already.
Haha. You would HATE my blog!!!!!
vulgarity is too much a part of normal conversation — the f word is only exceeded in my area by jon – this f and that jon and that f are ___ the f on the jon
Its STUPID!
You were nice about it. I use a curse word only on a rare occassion. That is as it ought to be. Its not necessary. No excuses for me. Don’t agree with me, keep it to yourself I’ll say “I don’t care what you think! bye.” I’ll even conside deletion of comments if it is used in a derogatory manner towrd someone.
I avoid Dan’s (Theo) blog surveys anymore because the Xangans constantly use vulgarities when there isn’t any reason for it. I did actually enjoy some of them, but recently the vulgarity went through the roof for me.
Thanks for posting regarding this disgusting tend.
@Hunt4Truth - You’re better off. My writing is terrible.
@doahsdeer - I don’t want to read your work then, due respect or not
@amateurprose - I know - I did – your work is partly why I stopped reading Dan’s blog
@amateurprose - you might benefit by other onlookers then – clean it up is best, I think. [note: I fixed my previous comment - the comment text was reversed]
@Hunt4Truth - No thank you. But your opinion is valued.
@amateurprose - @doahsdeer - [note: I fixed my previous comment - the comment text was reversed]
I generally refrain from using profanity in my writing.
http://youtu.be/ow8AjUi3vWU?t=3m49s
On occasion. I don’t avoid it, but it’s not a regular part of my vocabulary.
i rarely drop the F bomb but when i do…i drink dos eq..- just kidding
i make it a point not to drop the F bomb so much because you’re right, it is an ugly word and save for a few instances here and there, I don’t believe it has a place in writing.
I use it on occasion, but usually only when I’m really really really mad. I work with some people who use it casually in everyday speech and I find it annoying and unprofessional, especially because using it so often diminishes the impact and emotion of your words. I don’t recall that I’ve ever used it in my blogging or my fiction. I’m more inclined to make up a more colorful euphemism. “Fudge muffins” is something I use, or “fudge monkeys.” It does indicate a lack of creativity when overused.
I do not like to read or hear it.
i think i drop a cuss word in most of my posts.
i feel really bad now though; i had no idea it was so off-putting to some people.
in my defense… i am a crude, nasty, and offensive person so it’s only natural.
I’m not going to try and sound perfect, I’m going to be honest. I use it a lot. More than I am proud to admit. I decided not to use it on Xanga because Xanga has all my intellectual friends and I can use my expanded vocabulary without a “huh” or “what dat mean?”. I’ve got a decent filter on me, I know when to keep that word out of the books.
I will say it this way. The reason people use swear words is because they are not smart and think it is cool to use the swear words. It is because really they are stupid is why they use them. Bro. Doc
I never drop the “F-bomb” when I post a weblog here, but I do admit I say it more often than I should in my day to day life. Especially when I’m angry. The thing is, it does bother me when people are rude in public. It bothered me so much when this guy was talking and literally every second word was “f*ck” that’s not counting the “sh*t”, “p*ssy”, etc. All of that, while talking about his child.
Interesting, thanks for sharing this. I do use the F bomb on certain occasions when necessary. I recounted the night I jumped off an 855 foot building:
I stood outside for what seemed like an eternity while the lines were
hooked up. Safety first. Looking down at the Las Vegas strip far below me, I mumbled out loud. Mostly obscenities and perhaps an “I can’t do this.” The jump master instructed me to walk to the edge of the platform. “Are you fucking kidding me!?” Baby steps.
It’s a shame to close yourself to something because of a misinterpretation of a word. Also, Stephen King uses the word A LOT. Perhaps he is more mild with it, still, it’s sad to close yourself to things simply because of a word. You are the one giving it that power over you. Just a perspective from a writer.
You know, people say cussing can a sign of a lack of vocabulary or intelligence, but I think it’s quite the opposite. Someone who has command over every part of a language should have total command of it, including the connotations of curse phrases and words. When used properly, every word is perfect for its instance.
I curse like a sailor around people I’m comfortable with to be myself, and in that context, it’s perfectly fine. I don’t curse at work and I don’t curse around people who have mentioned they don’t like it. However, I’m not going to feel awful if someone unfriends me on a social network because they don’t like my choice of words or what I have to say, because ultimately I don’t want to be in constant contact with people who don’t accept me for everything I am, including my sailor mouth.
All.The.Time. Mostly for emphasis. Sorry if it offends you though. I don`t mean to.
Pertinent to the conversation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_osQvkeNRM
doahsdeer, well said. i absolutely agree!
i can understand why it can be upsetting to run across the f* bomb though.
It’s not a word I go to great lengths to avoid like I do the C word. It’s insulting and vulgar and I cringe when I hear it, like you do the F bomb. To each their own.
Nah, I love swears. Sometimes it makes the work. The language of the layman. Long live freedom of speech. Just if you don’t like it, like you said, you will avoid such works. And I learned a lot of swears from Stephen King, the protagonist in Christine is nicknamed C#$@face Cunningham by his peers.
I like dropping all sorts of curse words whenever I feel like it. *shrug* I don’t attach that big of an importance to them.
In my opinion, there are many, waaaay too many things that actually deserve I spend time worrying about. Curse words is not one of them. But hey, to each his own.
@nimbusthedragon - Oh balogna!
This is an interesting discussion. I’d like to comment on two things: 1) I don’t use the F word (or the S, B, D, A or GD words) in my writing or speaking. It’s a personal preference as I, like you, believe there are other (and IMO better) ways to express oneself without resorting to profanity. Aside from actual writers like @doahsdeer, I’ve found people to use the F-bomb for emphasis usually when the extent of their vocabulary is limited and/or it’s easier than trying to find a more “precise blend of denotation and connotation”. 2) I’m currently listening to an audio book reading of Stephen King’s Dark Tower series. I can attest the fact that he does indeed use the F-bomb liberally. At least that is the case for the second book in the series, “The Drawing of the Three”.
i don’t think it’s cool to use that word in a title–or any profanity
but i do respectfully disagree with the commenter who says that people who opt for it are stupid. they employ it for various reasons. i, for one, use it, especially in excoriating someone in a blog, when i’m really pissed off
It’s weird but I don’t really say it but I do write it. I guess I use it when I’m frustrated with something
I’ve seen it used in numerous Stephen King books.
I have no opinions about the f-bomb whatsoever and use it quite often, both in spoken and written communication. I’m pretty sure it’s not because I’m limited in my expressive abilities, although that is one possible explanation. I picked it up as a habit when I was eleven and into horseback riding…lots of vulgarity in stables and barns. I kept it as a habit when I became a criminal lawyer…even more vulgarity among prisoners and law enforcement personnel. I find that it crops up quite a bit among the writer crowd too. I drink as well and I’ve been known to gamble quite a bit, and not the ladylike slot machines either…I love to play craps. So I suppose in general I have no issue with vice.
I have used that word not often but it does happen and I am usually at the end of my rope and since I don’t usually utter that word when I do my hubby and kids all of a sudden grow ears and hear m….I often wonder why I have to get that mad before I am heard
Actually, the word “fuck” has been around since the pagan Anglo-Saxons first decided to search for crabs along the Rhine. So, you’re a mite off the mark with “the 1400s” The 1400s BC would be closer to the mark.
That is such a good writing post and a good subject. Myself, i swear occasionally when alone or unless very angry. But swearing without a reason seems to reveal a lack of passion for life in general, or a lack of respect for it. I believe that Stephen King swears a lot if i remember right. I dont know if it would be possible to write a realistic novel representing our time without someone swearing once in a while. But using the word f.. is often a show off and a mark of bullysism..it is unattractive..
Came here via a rec. Interesting thoughts.
In spoken conversation, I say the F word unintentionally and would very much like to stop.
However, though I do it very rarely, I use the F-word on my blog and in comments with complete intention. I do this for a few reasons: to challenge old notions, to encourage open-mindedness, to show solidarity with others who don’t think it’s a big deal, and simply to exercise my right to do so. Honestly, and no offense intended, I generally figure that if someone is the type to see me use a swear word and be overly offended, we are probably not likely to be friends anyway. So I guess I also use it as a filtering mechanism. Might as well find out sooner than later.
I write as I think. If I drop it in my mind, I’m writing it. I censor what I say all day around my kids, I don’t feel the need to when I’m blogging.
I also find it cathartic at times when I’m writing about a particularly aggravating situation.
@holeinyoursoul - In a writing class I took, the instructor read an article which used the F word no less than 100 times. The object of the lesson was to show that when a word is used too often, it loses it’s impact. I so agree with that!
Thanks for the info!@doahsdeer -
I agree!@Thatslifekid -
Exactly!@Grannys_Place -
I’m trying to get to your post from here about your “up periscope” story. I’ll have to wait till I answer these comments and go find it in my friends list.
*fu**adoodle…absolutely brilliant! Thanks for your comments and it’s always great to meet a S. King fan…he rules!baldmike2004 -
Hey, thanks for the rec and for the comments. I would be less than honest to say I have never used the f bomb…but it’s always been when I’m alone and never, never in my writing.@Erika_Steele -
Ahh…peer pressure! I understand and am glad that you understand my point about using it in writing. Thanks for the rec, my friend.@BoulderChristina -
Thanks for the Rec and I probably wouldn’t hate your writing, I most likely wouldn’t read it if I start seeing a lot of f bombs. And if the word is used in the title, as I said, I won’t even open the post. But, you are probably going for a specific target reader and I do not condemn that! All I am saying, that if you want to widen your reader base, find another word. I am not alone in my feelings about this word. Thanks so much for your comments!@amateurprose -
I was motivated to write about this subject based on the wide use of the f bomb in Xanga. And thank you, I usually ignore and don’t reply to comments that have the f word in it. However, I did not consider that other readers are exposed to this person’s comments in my post. I will now delete them and keep the integrity of my post intact. I love the open forum that Xanga supplies, but I don’t have to read posts or comments that are vulgar or offensive. Once again, thanks for the advice and the comments!@Hunt4Truth -
One last word. I also stopped reading Theo’s posts for the same reason. @Hunt4Truth -
Good! That will bring you more readers! Thanks for reading and the comments.@TheBlondNextDoor -
Thanks for reading and for the visit!@T3hZ10n -
Great comment! Thanks for commenting!@l0311879l -
Exactly! Thanks!@leaflesstree -
Me either! Thanks for your comment.@Ikwa -
You are not any of those things. I’ve read your posts. @thefittedsheet -
Ok, your comments are right on the mark. You obviously know when not to use it, and when writing for the general public, you refrain. My point exactly. @WorldWideWatchman -
I agree that I think some writers just use it for shock value and lose many readers because of it. Thanks for the visit and the comments.@BroDoc -
@crankycaregiver - Why thank you
No, say it isn’t so. That is wrong on so many levels. Thanks for the Rec!@EmiiieeeBL -
OK, perfectly understandable. If someone was pushing me off a building, I just might drop a f bomb!
@AncoraImparo -
The only time I drop the F word is in a novel I’m working on and it’s from a very VERY very bad villain (or villainess) and they are truly really gonna get what’s coming to them for being so bad.
“Profanity is the effort of a feeble mind trying to express itself forcibly.”
Φ ≡
Thanks for your comments. I respect your perspective as a writer as you need to understand my perspective as a reader. And, I have read the majority of Stephen King’s books…None of them have the F word in the title and if he did use it in a story, then it was done so masterfully that I didn’t notice. He certainly doesn’t use it a lot! Now, if his writing has changed or he has used it excessively in a story, it’s one I have not read.@None_May_Have_Her -
And that is your right! Thanks for your comments!@Mangonese -
And I am not judging you…just letting you know my feelings on the word!@nimbusthedragon -
Oh, don’t even start me on the C word. thanks for your comments!@specialxplaces -
Mea Culpa…so much for Wikipedia!@Lovegrove -
Love the quote, DW. As usual, well said!@dw817 -
I absolutely hate that word and I block anyone who uses it. I am so glad you wrote this post!!!!!!
Never use it in my writing or conversation. Vulgar language makes me cringe. There are some other words that I would never use in my daily writings.
@crankycaregiver - This my stance on the whole f-word. When I was a teenager and full of rage, I used it constantly. I’ve even thrown up my 2 middle fingers when somebody really pissed me off. I don’t use the f-word nearly as much as I used to because it’s overly used and abused. If all somebody does is use it in every sentence, it desensitizes other people. There are those few, who find the f-word to be incredibly appalling, offensive, and blasphemous. I, on the other hand, am not offended by it. Although, it does get tiring, when I have to hear it 24/7 by somebody, who has a very limited vocabulary.
If I say it, it is quietly to myself.
@TrainTrack - Really? Well, you must be the purest, most saintly person out there! Four little letters! GASP! THE HORROR!
People that talk like you come across as sanctimonious, pompous, and fake.
Plus, there’s gotta be something wrong with you to make you that sensitive to something so vapid and insignificant. Seriously.
@ZSA_MD -
WHO IS THE PERSON WHO SAID THIS TO ME?
Really? Well, you must be the purest, most saintly person out there! Four little letters! GASP! THE HORROR!
People that talk like you come across as sanctimonious, pompous, and fake. Plus, there’s gotta be something wrong with you to make you that sensitive to something so vapid and insignificant. Seriously.
I do not use this word.
The last time I wrote a blog similar to this, I got a lot of heat from xangans…some of them professing Christians defending the proliferation of that word – vulgarity in general, saying that they’re only words.. I’m glad you have gotten more respect. I doubt that there is anyone anymore who hasn’t heard just about every vulgar word and every blasphemy there ever was, but that only means to me that we also know enough appropriate, non-offensive words not to have to go there.
I saw on facebook today that my 16 year old granddaughter is trying her hand at sounding “adult.” It won’t do any good for Grandpa to call her down on it, but I will inform her dad.
You just need to start fucking saying it all the time. Just start droppin’ those fuckin’ bombs all over the place. When you use it casually, and don’t make a huge deal out of it, it LOSES IT’S POWER. It won’t effect you so strongly, people won’t be able to use it in hurtful ways if it’s so fucking common that it’s not even a big fucking deal. It’s just a word. It’s just a combination of letters that YOU ascribe a certain meaning to and decide to be offended by that meaning.
I too, cringe at the word. I might add, such words used multiple times, quickly lose their shock value. Then, they just become habits of the lazy mind.
I don’t use it in writing much and not in conversation unless I know the other person’s ok with it. If talking to somebody older (even if they cuss a lot) I avoid it, mostly. Just unconscious decisions I’ve observed about myself.
@chronic_masticator - I am thinking the same thing. I’m pretty sure it was used in “It” as well as in “The Gunslinger”. But, I’m not going to be able to give you page numbers on that…
I do swear on occasion. But, I’ve toned it down beyond recognition of my former self. Usually my vulgar tirades are directly after a particularly stressful situation that did not turn out how I would have preferred. I like writing on Xanga because it gives me the opportunity to choose my words more carefully. But, I’m not above dropping an f*** bomb every now and again.
@Of_Ravens_And_Roses - Ha, ha! Very eloquently stated. You went right for the jugular.
@crankycaregiver - I’m aware you haven’t read the books I’m speaking of, since you clearly don’t think he uses the word. I don’t really think I *need* to understand your perspective as a reader, since my writing would be of no interest to you. You are not my target audience. I never said anything about this word in the title of any story since you mainly focused on it being IN a story. It is YOUR choice to shut down instead of explore a new realm of writing and story telling, it has nothing to do with the writing itself. I still say it’s a total shame that you are probably missing out on things you would likely enjoy because of 1/50,000+ words. I will now use the word more often, thanks to your *ahem* perspective.
I mean, I agree to a certain extent, that overuse of vulgarities in writing is unnecessary and unsavory; however, I would never ban the word from either my vocabulary or anyone else’s. Everything isn’t peaches and cream in this world, and this particular word gets that message across elegantly in simply four letters.
The only F word that I consider vulgar is Fail.
I’m only kidding, it’s the second most vulgar word in the world
If I have a character that would use the word, it will occasionally show up in dialogue. Characters like that are occasional players, but rarely my main characters. I don’t use it outside of dialogue, and I do shudder when I see it in narration.
Respect your stance, can’t say I disagree with the crassness of it though I do use it in both writing and in regular conversation (less in writing then in conversation.) F*ck doesn’t bother me though but I do have a list of words that do (which I refuse to even type). Not sure why i use it, maybe because it is a relateable phrase for the most part.
I’ve never thought of using the F word to draw in more readers. I suppose some do. I don’t like swearing, I’ll admit that. I’ll also admit that I’ve said it/typed it in frustrated vents before. And though if overused, it makes me cringe, it has never driven me away from reading a story or talking to someone. My husband is a veteran and over the years I’ve met many of his military buddies that curse in just about every sentence as though it were a part of everyone’s regular vocabulary.
To each their own. I try to not judge people. I keep my kids away from swearing as much as I can and I leave it at that.
meh, it’s just a word. i write for myself… not for others. if i offend you, go elsewhere.
fuck yeah I do
Oh, I’ve dropped the F bomb on my blog a lot. Usually when I’m ranting and angry. However, I have never done it to draw people to me. I actually would say that, while I’m trying to just express myself how I want too, I do worry what others will think. If someone chooses to not even bother to get to know me, because of one word I use, I would have to say their loss… to be honest!
But, I do respect your opinion on this.
After reading some of the comments here, I do have to say one thing. I disagree with those who say that those who use that word are stupid. It may not be a very good word and one may not like it, but to call someone stupid, because they simply use that word, isn’t very nice. People should really think before they say stuff like that. Using the F word is bad? Calling people stupid because of it is also bad and hurtful. Just my opinion on that.
As a writer I both understand and have my own take.
When I’m writing I try to be aware that (just like in life) there are different types of people and different types of situations.
The books I’m working on now for instance DEFINITELY contain F-bombs. The thing of it is however, when it’s used it’s often used by one character or another.
That made very little sense, let me rephrase-
The Victim Stories take place in a dystopian setting in which multitudes of young people are forced to live in extremely trying situations. There’s prostitution, gangs large and small, extremely evil men from the pit of hell, etc. There are actually TONS of characters in these books (sometimes hundreds although most unimportant) and yes, a few of them use the F-word.
This is done for a number of reasons, one of them being that simply put a LOT of them ARE kids, and most kids go through a phase where they use these words often to sound tough, to fit in, whatever you might call it.
HOWEVER I’m very keen to understand the difference between one character using it and needing EVERY character to use it. Even in extremely trying times there are characters who will not be using this word. Others, might have used it BECAUSE of an extreme situation and it actually might have shocked even the characters in the book if someone said it (because the character doesn’t normally speak this way).
Some people (young ones especially) simply ARE vulgar. One of my main characters in the first novel is on the radical side of everything and naturally, he would use the f-word. Funnily enough though while most people would think that I’d be the kind of person to proceed to f-bomb every other word with this character I hold back quite a bit.
The other thing that strikes me as a bit funny is that (at least for me) your reaction to it is actually PERFECT! I’ve said in my “Hello, I’m LKJSlain” post that I used to censor myself (I still do but in the holding back way) and I no longer do to that degree. The reason being that suddenly it hit me one day… if a person is disgusted, annoyed, angry, hurt, romanced, etc by something that I wrote, then actually my work just paid off!
I do not WANT my reader to love my book because a seventeen year old kid is spewing the F-word… I want people to say, “That’s really disgusting that he says that… I don’t like it.” GOOD! Neither do I! You shouldn’t! Because the fact that he does what he does and is who he is and acts how he acts is a result of something much deeper, and your reaction actually might mean that you care.
Regarding Stephen King, I believe that he absolutely uses the F-word. I don’t recall when or how exactly, but I’m extremely sure, like 99.9999999 percent that he does.
It would be difficult to believe that he DOESN’T based on how much that word makes it into movies based on his books.
I don’t use the F word very often, but like @doahsdeersaid, sometimes using it is needed.
I find people who quibble about arbitrary things such as cuss words and are presumptuous enough to try to police other people’s expression of their thoughts, unintentionally or not, are far more offensive and petty than the vernacular anyone might choose to use. Especially when it comes to the written form. Refusing to read something at all because it has a cuss word in it is your prerogative, but it is a close minded one. You miss out on the bigger picture that way, which is what you should be focusing on when reading something anyway, not the tools with which it was constructed.
It has become a simple reflex to klick away when reading context I don’t like. Cheers, Michel
I don’t use the F-bomb very often either. I know I use it in my personal life and in writing dialogue for a character because it fits that character. If I have a coarse, street-wise character, they will utter the F-bomb; there are places and ways to use it without it being frequent or gratuitous. It’s my view that it is a word that is vulgar, and there is a way to use it to build character or story line.
profanity has it’s uses and audiences. I have seen more people successfully if inellagantly use the phrase dtf? or down to f bomb. achieve romantic interludes….I’ve seen many wear drinks too – failing to be accorded success in their approach/game. profanity however has a raw passion to it however “vulgar. many have said that including the bible one should be whole souled or highly passionate about living . vulgar common plebian, mean average lower unwashed whatever judgement of class interestingly is so often proved affectable or in just a simple choice…ever see them sell the language of successful people…it can be said that they speak a different language almost….except that it is the same language just a different set of words or if you want a different phrase word paradigm. my fair lady ea play shows this choice of living is affectable not as erroniously suppposed to be a matter of hereditory breeding….that right there that the club can be closed heh. there is a generation required to make nuevo rich into old money. rules can be bent all the time and at any time. however the stereo type remains true only a low class person would use profanity or dare be caught wrinked in public…or any social detail known to be a crime
interestingly enough war was stopped by a low class move. teddy roosevelt was asked to aid the russian empire and the japanese empire at war with each other find peace. the test was who would be announced and seated first… both were prepared to leave immediately if they woere second. the prez removed all chairs and announced no one… what a low class move that helped the parties move forward in finding a peace agreement. just the same as there is uses for ellagance there is a time for profancity. and more often the profane as unbridled passion always trumps insincere ellagance….however vulgar
@murisopsis - http://www.thestar.com/life/2007/11/08/the_way_we_swear_says_a_lot.html
Thanks! @TrainTrack -
I could not have said this better myself. My point was the overuse of the word, especially when speaking in the first person in blogs. Characters must be realistic,and depending on the setting and the peer interaction…you would have to drop the f bomb. That is your right as an author. My right is not to read those types of books. But, thank you so much for your comments.@LKJSlain -
Since your comment above was to the point, I will point everyone to the paragraph that contains my Stephen King remarks. I wrote, “I might be wrong.” BUT, when Stephen King drops the F bomb, it is down masterfully and although I still hate the word, I am not exposed to it in every other sentence in his writings. Sure, he curses, so do I. It is this particular word that I happen to have a strong distaste for. Again, thanks for your comments. @LKJSlain -
@ZSA_MD - Oh, I do too. But, this one tops the head of the list.
I don’t use the f word in my writing. I think the worst curse words I’ve used are “damn” and “hell” lol
I don’t mind reading books with the f word, but some writers do use it a lot. It won’t keep me from reading a book though. Brian Keene, for example, writes horror books and the ones I’ve read, do use the f word. I think he is a great writer though and he is one of the nicest people I’ve met. Very down to earth and really likes talking to his fans.
Good luck on that.@None_May_Have_Her -
@amateurprose - yeah, you’re like the poster child for that word, aren’t you?
{@crankycaregiver} I don’t need your lucky honey, I’ve got fuckin’ talent.
I use the “F Bomb” in everyday conversations. I grew up in a home where that was the word you heard between every other word spoken. I do, however, censor myself when I am around anyone I do not know well, have high respect for, children, etc. and I do NOT use it in my writing. There are certain instances where I will quote someone else who used it and then *** out the letters
In my opinion, it is an overused word that young people think makes them look tough when really it only makes them look uneducated and immature when used openly in front of everyone.
@crankycaregiver - I do have to say, (and please understand I’m not trying to start an argument, I’m just curious now) You say (almost in the same breath) that when Stephen King uses the F-word that it’s done masterfully (and obviously you’ve read Stephen King’s books) but, you then say that if someone uses that word that it is your right to choose not to read those books (which it is, no problems there.
) But that’s sort of a contradiction…
Am I to assume that because one of my novels has the F-word in it once (one of them does, only once) that you wouldn’t give it a shot, but you’re willing to read Stephen King who you said “masterfully” uses that word? O_o
I’m not trying to start an argument, I’m a bit confused. haha.
I don’t even think it in my mind when I read it. Like you……if someone on Xanga uses it I prefer not to read their posts.
@oh_my_how_horrible - “
Really? Well, you must be the purest, most saintly person out there! Four little letters! GASP! THE HORROR!
People that talk like you come across as sanctimonious, pompous, and fake.
Plus, there’s gotta be something wrong with you to make you that sensitive to something so vapid and insignificant. Seriously.”
There’s gotta be something wrong with you as well, to make you that sensitive to someone else’s opinion of the f word. Grow up. Xanga doesn’t need anymore immature little brats whining about something or someone who doesn’t agree with them. Don’t like someone’s opinion, let it go.
Oh, and you seem pretty fake yourself, seeing as you’re anonymous and want to hide behind that name, with no profile pic or anything.