Q&A for How to Replace Swear Words with Less Offensive Words

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Should I use funny words instead of a bad word?

Community Answer

Yes. This makes it less offensive and funnier. It also lightens up the mood.

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Question

Why are swear words offensive?

Community Answer

Because society has given words connotations over the years, giving "offensive" words a meaning that some find less than desirable. Especially in more conservative places, a lot of these words have become taboo, which has increased peoples' fear of them. It's like in Harry Potter, people couldn't even say the name "Voldemort" because nobody said it and there had become a massive stigma around using it. Basically, it's society's fault and has nothing to do with the word itself.

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Question

Why would someone start cursing in the first place?

Community Answer

It just kind of happens if you listen to music, watch movies or hang out with people that swear. The best thing to do is limit your exposure.

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Question

What if I can't come up with made-up words?

Community Answer

Look around you and find an object, such as a fork, and combine it with the backwards spelling of that word. Forkkorf. Lemonnomel. Tableelbat. Sofaafos. Or, use any other solutions in the article.

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Question

What if the same person who wants me to quit swearing makes fun of me whenever I use "funny" replacement words?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

If this is a friend, you can safely ignore it. If it's your parent or another person of authority, then you should really point this out: "Well, you want me to replace the swear words, but then make fun of me when I do. That behavior is unfair and I want you to stop."

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Question

Could somebody saying "foxy lady" be using it as polite curse words?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

The expression "foxy lady" is an overt sexual innuendo meaning the speaker thinks a certain woman is attractive enough to have sex with. Perhaps in a sarcastic sense, this expression could be an insult, but even that is a stretch. So no, I don't think anyone saying "foxy lady" would mean it as polite curse words.

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Question

Could I use a famous person's name instead of God's when I swear?

Community Answer

Sure. You can use the name of literally anybody you want. They can be real, fictional, alive, dead, etc.

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Question

Is there a method to stop cussing when something sudden happens, like stubbing my toe or when someone almost causes me an accident?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

Practice. Your arms do not suddenly move uncontrollably as if of their own will and volition; you control your arms. If you say "arm, pick that up," then it does. Though we don't always actively do so, we do always control our own arms, and by extension, our entire body, including your voice. It's a reflex: nothing - accident - swear-word - thought. But your voice doesn't decide what it says or when it speaks - you do. So practice actively controlling your voice until it's: nothing - accident - thought - nothing.

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Question

Is there an alternative word or phrase rather than "Bad A**" that I can use?

Community Answer

I think Savage works pretty well. Try it! It's also a word people won't make fun of.

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Question

Is crap or dang a swear word?

Community Answer

Usually you will be safe to say 'crap' or 'dang' - it depends on the situation, but in general, using those two words instead of swearwords is a good option.

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Question

Is there an alternative word or phrase rather than "Bad A**" that I can use?

Community Answer

You could call someone "LIT," which means that they're cool .

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