Q&A for How to Stop Swearing

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  • Question
    Why would someone want to do this?
    Community Answer
    They might want to change their lifestyle or they might want to set a better example for other people.
  • Question
    Why do people use the Lord's name as a cuss word?
    Community Answer
    At this point, (I'm assuming you're referring to) "Oh my God," and the like have simply been assimilated into our language. I don't think there is much intentional disrespect when using the phrase, more like force of habit. To those who are religious, it can be seen as taking His name in vain and therefore interpreted as offensive, but you can't control the way people talk, so the least you can do is respectfully ask them not to use the phrase in front of you.
  • Question
    What do I do if I have tried all of these methods and I just can't stop cursing?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how long you've been trying to prevent it. It takes time and patience to break a habit. One thing you might try is eliminating one or two curse words at a time, instead of all of them at once. Make a list of curse words and gradually go through the list, eliminating one after another. You will still slip up from time to time, you're only human.
  • Question
    How do I stop swearing at someone who is angry with me?
    Community Answer
    Be the bigger person: remain calm, and don't curse back. Showing them that they're not getting to you is more powerful than any words. Just smile walk it off.
  • Question
    Is "crap" a swear word?
    Community Answer
    No, "crap" isn't considered a serious swear word. However, in some situations, people might still react badly to you saying it.
  • Question
    How can I stop swearing if my friends do it all of the time? It's almost like our in-friend language.
    Community Answer
    Inform them casually that you're trying to stop swearing and that you'd prefer to not say curse words all the time. If they are good friends, they might make fun of you at the beginning (probably not), but eventually they'll get over it. Otherwise, if they don't care, just try your best to ignore these words and focus on your mission of no longer swearing. With luck, your better chosen words and wit will rub off on them.
  • Question
    Growing up I always heard curse words, so I've had the habit of swearing since I was really small. How can I stop it?
    Community Answer
    Wear a rubber band around your wrist. Every time you curse, snap the rubber band. Your brain will associate swearing with discomfort, and that may help you stop. Praying also helps.
  • Question
    What if I swear so much but no one notices?
    Community Answer
    Try keeping a log of how many times you swear or what words you use, then you can isolate the issue. You'll have to take matters into your own hands but with the right mindset, you will find pride in doing it yourself.
  • Question
    How can I make my kids stop swearing?
    Community Answer
    Keep your household a positive and non-bad word zone. Children pay attention to and absorb everything said in their presence. If you accidentally curse or someone on television does, tell them they are never to repeat that word. If they swear, give them an age appropriate consequence like a time out or grounding.
  • Question
    What do I do if someone swears me?
    Community Answer
    Just don't be too angry or mad at them, just be a super helpful friend by giving them a light reminder. Avoid being judgmental, don't use a high-pitch voice and don't scold them with any comment like: "Why are your swearing so much? Stop!" In other words, don't make the person feel bad; rather, just help them to feel reminded that it's not appropriate to keep swearing.
  • Question
    How do I stop swearing so much?
    Community Answer
    Place a quarter in a jar every time you swear or consider some other punishment to stop you from keeping up the habit.
  • Question
    Cussing helps me release my energy, but I know it's wrong, it is also against my religion, Christianity. Any suggestions on how to express myself?
    Community Answer
    You can try to go in a room where no one will hear you and curse. However, if you want to really stop, follow the steps in this article and do your best to stop swearing.
  • Question
    Is there a way I can get other people to stop swearing?
    Community Answer
    Not really - you can express your preference but you can't change people unless they're willing to change. It could be a bad habit and it could be amplified by other people they hang around with, friends or family. It's probably best to just gently remind them every time you hear it that you don't like it or consider it to be inappropriate. Set a good example by not joining in. You could explain how they appear to others but that's just your subjective judgment, so don't be too heavy on that. The only time you can really be fierce is when children are around; then you are within your rights to say it is not acceptable while the children are within hearing distance.
  • Question
    I only use minor swear words and I say them in front of anybody (including my grandma). How do I stop if it's a minor but problematic offense?
    Community Answer
    Try to avoid anything that will cause you to use minor swear words and if you see you are getting angry at that moment, just try to do something that will distract you. Maybe listen to music or watch funny videos or go to bed.
  • Question
    Why do we swear?
    Community Answer
    It's really a kind of release. Swearing tends to make us feel a little better when we're upset.
  • Question
    Is it okay to swear inside my mind?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can swear inside your mind without fear or consequence.
  • Question
    My dad swears when he's angry and I really don't like it. How can I can get him to stop?
    Community Answer
    Try talking to him about it when he's in a good, calm mood - he is more likely to be understanding then. Tell him how it makes you (and others, if there are others) feel and ask him if he could try to control himself and be more mindful of how he talks when he gets angry, especially around his child.
  • Question
    How can I stop swearing when I feel angry?
    Logan Eichfeld
    Community Answer
    Take a deep breath. Count to ten. Try to avoid getting in a situation like that again, and that will eliminate swearing for that reason. Follow the steps in the article.
  • Question
    Why do lots of YouTubers swear?
    Community Answer
    They swear because they think it is "edgy" and cool, but it isn't, it's immature.
  • Question
    Are people meaning to make threats when they curse at someone?
    Community Answer
    Not necessarily --- it depends on context. Maybe recipient is not subject of sentence and therefore not being threatened. Using curse words in a conversation is not threatening unless speaker is trying to curse in reference to a person.
  • Question
    What can I replace the b word with?
    Community Answer
    Becky, girl, batch, harlot, tramp, son of a gun, and witch are good ones.
  • Question
    How do I stop swearing if my friends swear a lot?
    Community Answer
    Try to set an example for your friends by not swearing.
  • Question
    What can I do if my older brother called me a 5 letter B word?
    Community Answer
    You can ether ignore him, stay calm, or tell an adult. It's wrong for someone to just call you that.
  • Question
    How do I stop swearing when I am surprised or hurt?
    Community Answer
    Try swearing in your head and not out loud, or use one of the substitutes in the article.
  • Question
    What do I do if I like swearing?
    Midnight
    Top Answerer
    Let out your anger in a different way. Take a break from them and take 10 slow, deep breaths. Understand that swearing is inappropriate in a lot of situations, so you need to find other ways to express yourself.
  • Question
    How do I stop myself from swearing, if I'm swearing to be humorous?
    Community Answer
    Use other words to be humorous to break the habit.
  • Question
    I swear when I get annoyed with my little brother, how do I stop?
    Community Answer
    Take a deep breath. Try to remain calm and tell him you are trying to stop cussing. It might be hard, but you can do it. Use the steps in the article, and if you find yourself getting upset, just walk away and/or talk to your parents about why you're feeling that way.
  • Question
    My cousin threatens to tell everyone that I swore when I say "stupid" or "bully". Am I swearing when I say those words?
    Community Answer
    "Stupid" and "bully" are not curse words. Let her tell whomever she wants; if anyone asks, you can clarify. Soon people will learn not to listen to her claims.
  • Question
    Can you show that swearing (that is every use and circumstance of swearing) is a "bad habit" as this article suggests? It can bring together social groups, so how is that a bad habit?
    Community Answer
    Obviously there are exceptions to every rule, but I think we can all agree that swearing in certain contexts is inappropriate and might get someone in trouble. This article might help some people get control of a bad habit (or if you prefer, a habit that can be bad).
  • Question
    My friends forced me to swear on multiple dares, and now I can't stop. They think I'm 'bad' for using these words, yet they forced me. I really am lost for how to stop, what do you recommend?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    Hey, own up to your own actions. Even on a dare, you are still 100% responsible for your own actions. Swearing is not like a floodgate, or a dam that bursts - once it's open, you can stop anytime. Just don't swear. Don't go swearing as much as you like and then blame it on your friends; nobody is forcing you, this is all you.
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