It's not a swear word though clearly many people find it offensive and/or "vulgar".
What I don't understand though is why that is .... it's a word, and not usually an insult. When it's used as one, as in "old fart" for example, I'd consider that to be one of the milder insults someone could choose - indeed, I've also heard that phrase used practically as a term of endearment.
I can only think it must be because so much embarrassment and/or "shame" still surrounds discussion of the less attractive aspects of digestion ?! ..... e.g. many people find talking about bowel related issues even with their GP pretty excruciating, and would also baulk at confiding such things with their nearest and dearest however worried they might be. There definitely seems to be this attitude of "we don't mention things like that in public" so far as farting is concerned and therefore because it seems to be viewed as almost "shameful" by some it stands to reason that the noun/verb also becomes a "nasty" word perhaps ?
Now, I'm not condoning farting itself - in any and all situations - as okay. I hate it when people make no effort to control themselves or leave the room to do one - or worse deliberately squeeze out a fart and think the resulting stink they've imposed on others is hilarious ..... but there are occasions when it genuinely can't be helped, e.g. if you have various stomach problems and can't get out in time, and when it's clear that someone hasn't deliberately been offensive I think it just adds to their embarrassment if others react in a horrified way. It's all part and parcel of this whole taboo surrounding anything to do with your bum - poo, farting, piles etc - and I personally think that's ridiculous and contributes to people delaying seeking help or confiding their problems in others, e.g. as part of a polite apology for farting in company by explaining you have bad IBS right now or whatever.
While people still clutch their pearls at the word "fart" they impart a power to it which it shouldn't have. Why does there need to be a euphemism - and often very silly childish ones - for "fart" ? Sure, "breaking wind" is, I think, the "correct" and "formal" term for releasing gas via your anus but to me, it's far more efficient to use a shorter term whenever possible. And yes, I agree that unless you're giggling in the playground, most of us probably don't have genuine cause to talk about farting very often but on the rare occasions we do, why not call a fart a fart ? ...... it's quick, and there can be no mistaking what is meant whereas this thread demonstrates that several of the many different euphemisms can mean different things to different people.
I'd be really interested to hear why those who find it offensive don't like it ......