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WHY USING FOUL LANGUAGE IS NOT COOL FOR YOUR IMAGE?

Profanity is potent and it makes for great fillers in conversations too, right? In fact, if one wants to express their anger, frustration, shock or even amusement, foul language comes handy. For many, using cuss words is a way of life. It is cool. It is hip and of course, saying these words gives them an emotional boost. In short, it emphasizes the intensity of their state of mind.
Foul language becomes a powerful tool that people tend to use for constructive or destructive purposes. Also, these words give a natural thrill to people using it as they stem from taboo-ridden subjects. For example, slangs used for sex, bowel movements etc. gives one a thrill as it makes others uncomfortable and therefore, it is an act of rebellion. And rebellion gives one an adrenaline rush. It also pretends to be a one-way ticket to being cool. Growing up, every child wants to be cool. They want to fit in with an older crowd and using foul language is the easiest route. According to experts at the University of California, San Diego, when one uses profanity or cusses, their heart rate increases, skin pores open up, and they start sweating. Even the pupils dilate. By using profane language, it puts the person in fight or flight mode.

As cool as it may seem, the foul language should not become a permanent condition. It shouldn’t be a permanent fixture in the fabric of one’s verbal communication. Unlike what one thinks, such behavior is not appreciated nor is it great for one’s image. Additionally, it can also ruin one’s professional image. Even if one is a good performer and is a great team player with potential, constant use of foul language will negatively impact their personality.

Here are six reasons to not use foul language and to avoid its negative impact on one’s image:

Foul language offends people

Foul language is not any particular language but slangs or terms associated with taboo in any language. When such terms are used in place of clear, normal language with an intent to cause discomfort, it becomes ‘foul’ in nature, i.e. offensive.

And no, using foul language just like that is not cool. It is odd and feels out of place. Even if one is using a cuss word to express or to prove a point, it is taken negatively, as an insult. It merely sets a wrong image mainly when used in a new setting, i.e. around new people; it becomes odd, rude even. Often one has to apologise for their choice of words. It shows poorly on one, indicating that such a person has no care or concern for the people or the kind of place they are in. It is best reserved for a personal setting, depending on the company, if you must!

It is rude

Yes, foul language is rude as it is entirely out of context for the other person in the conversation. It is abrupt too. Why use language that will only confuse the other person? People might start ignoring or avoid getting into a discussion with one altogether. For instance, Yahoo’s ex-boss Carol Bartz was let go because of her constant use of foul language. In the past, she had had to apologize a few times for her tardiness and use of offensive language on a public forum.

It is selfish

No one wants to come across as self-centered. It is not a trait to gloat about. Hence, when one knows that people might be uncomfortable with the use of cuss words, one should steer clear of such behavior. Else, it just indicates that one doesn’t care about what the other person feels.

Makes one popular but for the wrong reasons

Everyone looks up to famous folks. They are the most liked people in the crowd, and they are also the ones who speak with respect and are cordial to all. If one wishes to be famous and much-liked, then foul language should be kept to a minimum.

It comes across as lazy and ignorant

While one may think they are cool and very worldly when they use profanity or foul language in their regular conversations, people think of them as lazy and even ignorant. This is because they use the same cuss words over and over as fillers. It just shows limited understanding and limited vocabulary.

Setting the wrong example

Children are very observant, and they often pick on habits people think they will ignore. Children quickly pick up the foul language as they see how people react to it or what impact it sets. Apparently, they are unaware of its repercussions.

It is said that “The way you communicate reveals everything about you. Words are the clothes your thoughts wear.” Why make your words wear dirty or soiled clothes when you wish to communicate clearly? Don’t let others think poorly of you just because you choose to use certain words. Language, a clean and clear way of communication is essential to all of us. If one speaks clearly and conveys what he/she needs to say, then there is no need for any foul language or words. Therefore, it is vital that one learn to curb their need to use cuss words or else learn to live without respect.

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