To think that people shouldn't use the *F* word on Mumsnet

[Mulanmum]

No doubt a bunch of smart alecs are going to tell me to F off but ...

Why do some MNetters feel the need to use obscene language on here? Are they too inarticulate to express themselves without foul language? I started a thread on another topic, moving along nicely then a prolific poster told us to "all f off". Why do that on a forum that is set up primarily to be friendly and supportive?

Just leave the foul language off MumsNet.

[SqueakyPop]

yanbu. Thankfully, there is the hide button.

[sagacious]

Oh I love the F word

Gordon Ramseys scrummy

[OrmIrian]

Sorry you were upset mulanmum.

If it had been me I'd have objected to the sentiments, not the language.

[hercules1]

saying f off isnt nice but this is an website for adults and I wouldnt want swearing to be policed. Being personally insulting is against mumsnet etiquette though.

[CombustiblePumpkin]

Oh please.



Ickle fluffy bunnies

[hercules1]

Now using text speak is a whole other issue.....

[nickytwooootimes]

I think there is a place for swearing.
Many articulate people do swear.
YABU.

Btw, I would never swear at someone on here or in RL, but often use it as an expletive when i am particularly stressed.

[Mum2OliverJames]

i agree, i hate people swearing!

i also hate the word gob

[Saturn74]

I've never really bought the old "are they too inarticulate to express themselves without foul language?" line.

I'm quite articulate, innit.

And sometimes I use my gigantic brain to decide that a jolly good "fuck", "twat" or "bollocks" is just what the doctor ordered, in terms of word selection.

[nickytwooootimes]

Exactly, HC.

[Mum2OliverJames]

i wondered how long it would before someone said it!

[Mum2OliverJames]

6 mins 2 seconds

[AMumInScotland]

I think that as this is a forum for adults, we should be allowed to use swear words if we want to - I don't use a lot of them, but sometimes I do swear, in real life and in posts.

But telling people to "f**k off" is rude in a way that the word itself isn't.

[more]

Is his name not Gordon Ramsay?

[Habbibu]

The idea that swearing is a sign of inarticulacy or limited vocabulary is a fallacy - see Bad Language by Peter Trudgill and Lars Gunnar-Anderson for v. interesting discussion. The sentiment of "fuck off" may be unnecessarily aggressive or lighthearted, depending on the context. The language itself is pretty neutral, and part of the conversational usage of many adults. I'd criticise agression, not lexis, personally.

[nickytwooootimes]

Personally, I think that was pretty restrained, mtoj!

[nickytwooootimes]

WIsh i could have siad that.

[wheresthehamster]

I don't use it in real life (well, not much) so this is my 'outlet'.

Although the first time I saw scaryfucker's name I did a double take.

[Mum2OliverJames]

yeah it was, i was just wondering how long it would be before they stopped dancing around the word by using f* or the like!

i knew it wouldnt be long

[Mulanmum]

Yes, it is a forum for adults - hence there's no need to swear!

There is a place for swearing (agreed) just don't think Mumsnet is the place for it.

Grow up.

[hercules1]

Since when did swearing become something adults shouldn't do in teh company of other adults?

[Habbibu]

But you're assuming it's juvenile to swear, and that's your opinion, not fact. You may not like it - there are words I don't like - "boobs" for example (don't know why) - but I don't think people should not be allowed to say them in an informal context.

[Saturn74]

Mum2OliverJames, my point is that I don't agree that all people who use the word "fuck" are inarticulate.

It would have therefore been rather pointless if I had then bought into using the silly "f*" substitute.

Great use of your stopwatch though.

[Peachy]

Netmums. Needs. You. Op