The Case for Clean Language

There was a time when clean language was the norm and swearing was unusual. Boy, how the tables have turned! Nowadays, the words that would have gotten kids’ mouths washed out with soap or given ladies “the vapors” are commonplace in popular media, the workplace, and in our homes. Frankly, I don’t like it.

Now, I’m certainly no prude. I have definitely used profanity more times than I’d care to admit. And I’m not taking a religious or biblical view of it, either. There are many interpretations and controversies lying in wait there. But I do bemoan the effect the decline of language has had on our culture. The English language (and, I’d daresay, all others) has sufficient words available to describe anger, frustration, hyperbole, and so forth without resorting to “coarse language.”  

The great wits like George Bernard Shaw, Winston Churchill, and Oscar Wilde were able to create scathing insults without resorting to unacceptable terminology. Being adept at using the F word as a noun, verb, adjective, and an adverb does not really impress one’s audience with his or her command of the language! And, speaking of “his or her,” there is little differentiation between the sexes in the use of bad language, either.

This decline did not happen overnight, of course. Over the years, the line of acceptable language has moved almost imperceptibly. There were some major leaps, such as George Carlin’s “7 Dirty Words.” But, for most of us, we just heard and said more of the stuff that was formerly forbidden. Location used to matter: we could say certain things in the locker room but not at the dance. Those lines have been erased, as well.

Is there a way to put the genie back into the bottle and clean up our language? It’s a very tall order, but we each have the willpower to clean up our own act if we choose. Why not give it a try? Make an effort for a day, then a week, to avoid swearing. It could become a habit. You might have to become more creative in your use of the language. And you’ll stand out. Even if some may mock you, I’d be pretty sure they’ll secretly admire you.