F-bomb Okay To Say In Work Environment?

[Piccoli Fiori JMJ]

Surprise! Why the F-Word Is OK to Say
The f-word may be considered one of the English language's most offensive swearwords, but researchers from Victoria University in New Zealand report it may be okay to say it at work--under certain circumstances.

According to these daring researchers, saying the f-word within the confines of your own work team helps to build and reinforce team morale, reports New Zealand's Dominion Post. They came to this startling conclusion after analyzing the conversation patterns of a work team laboring in an unidentified soap factory.

The eye-popping findings:

The f-word was easily the most commonly used swearword.
When it was said within the context of this close-knit work team, it was not considered offensive.
Since the basic attitude in the group was one of friendliness where the workers genuinely liked and respected one another, they could use such oaths without being rude or insulting.
"Forms of f*** occur frequently in certain contexts and serve a range of functions, including the role of positive politeness strategy," wrote study leader and linguistics professor Janet Holmes in the international Journal of Pragmatics. "F*** is regularly associated with expressions of solidarity, including friendly terms of address."

And there's also good news for work whiners! The study found that complaining to a sympathetic colleague can help build solidarity among co-workers. The researchers defined whining as a "long or repeated expression of discontent not necessarily intended to change or improve the unsatisfactory situation." Complaining is an emotional release that can build rapport. "Teammates regularly have a moan to each other," Holmes wrote in the journal. "Whining to a sympathetic co-worker both reflects and constructs the close relationship between team members, thus consolidating the team's solidarity."

A word of caution: Swearwords, especially the f-word, must only be said in the appropriate context.

But the fact that it can be said at all at work and be acceptable is proof positive that our language is constantly evolving.


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I'm not liking this article

[1337 k4th0l1x0r]

WTF?

[Sojourner]

In many places I've worked, f*** has been an acceptable term, particularly in newsrooms. At this point, hearing it in this type of setting doesn't really bother me because I've heard it so much.

There are some work situations, though, in which it's definitely not acceptable. For example, I worked for a YWCA for a year or so -- not acceptable. Also not acceptable when working at Christian universities, which I've also done.

[dUSt]

Not spin.

[Carrie]

Unfortunately, I hear that word alot from co-workers. And we work with kids!! Sometimes I want to bang my head against the wall.

[1337 k4th0l1x0r]

Is this the word that begins with 'f' and ends with 'uck'? I don't see how saying firetruck is so bad.

[curtins]

lol

[Iacobus]

Argh... you can partly see it even on TV... I mean the VEEP telling someone to and I semi quote "Go..." you know the rest. That is just wrong. It used to be in movies if you said it it was instantly R rated. Once. Now you say it 10 times and it is PG-13. Some teens I am around use it all the time, every other word. It makes you sound dumber than if you said "lol" outloud or ever other word was "like." It reduces your image to others, which is reducing a work of God, never mind the sin of swearing itself.

[homeschoolmom]

I think it's okay in private (ie in a small, close working environment)... but it shouldn't be used around people who are offended. Frankly, I hate it, don't use it (although I have in the past...), and I would be uncomforable around people who use it all the time. But if one slipped, it wouldn't bug me too badly.

It try to think, "would I say this in front of my priest?"

[Kaeldra]

[quote]WTF? [/quote]

HAHA my thoughts exactly

[azaelia]

[quote name='FutureNunJMJ' date='Sep 22 2004, 11:45 AM'] But the fact that it can be said at all at work and be acceptable is proof positive that our language is constantly evolving. [/quote]
It's evolving alright...into a language I wouldn't want to speak :angry: I mean I sometimes slip up and say it, but that doesn't mean I drop it every other word.

People are dumb :angry:

[musturde]

I believe many cusswords are acceptable in a group, as long as no ones offended. F*** is a different story because it isn't just a cussword, it's also referring to something sexual.

[Iacobus]

[quote name='musturde' date='Sep 22 2004, 05:09 PM'] I believe many cusswords are acceptable in a group, as long as no ones offended. F*** is a different story because it isn't just a cussword, it's also referring to something sexual. [/quote]
LOL! This post reminded me of a commentary on the show Deadwood.

"The evolution of swearing."

LOL! Basicly we have had the f bomb in the context it is now senice about 1920. They had it before that and still do now in a context that doesn't mean anything sexual. I don't use it because it sounds vulgar not because of any mean it has or does not have. I used to use it a lot in jr high because I "thought it was cool to be like the cool kids and swear" and rarly did I mean anything sexual.

I will look up and post that commentary if I can find it.

[Iacobus]

Found the link, it is audio... from NPR. I know some of you hate NPR, lol, it is okay, I hate FOX so we are even, hehe.

Linguist Geoff Nunberg on Swearing

Nunberg considers profanity and how certain words, in certain eras, have had the power to offend.

I really love listening to this guy. If I had a mind for words and was boring like that I might want to be a linguist. It is stragly intresting.

[url="http://www.npr.org/features/feature.php?wfId=1966954"]http://www.npr.org/features/feature.php?wfId=1966954[/url]

That be the link.

[musturde]

It's not used in the same context all the time anymore but it is still used a whole lot in that way. I'd rather not use it at all but I guess it wouldn't be wrong if you use it in the context not reffering to sex.