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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

... to find swearing utterly boring?

87 replies

ImJustMadAboutSaffron · 02/03/2023 07:57

I'm on a train to work surrounded by six schoolboys about 15. Talking about football and swearing constantly when swearwords aren't needed.

They're all using the F word and even starting sentences with it: "Fucking ... " and then just a normal ordinary sentence. Swearing not required.

It's totally pointless and boring to swear when swearwords aren't needed. If I use swearwords it's in context - extreme anger, shock etc. Otherwise it loses its currency.

And why is the F word the only one people think of? I've heard people say it's a symptom of a lack of vocabulary and always disagreed because of swearing stuffed into a sentence at random. But I'm now inclined to agree as nobody seems to know any other swearwords!

OP posts:
321gogogo · 02/03/2023 07:58

They are 15..

Snoopinator · 02/03/2023 07:59

Don't like swearing? Don't swear. Stop wanting to police other people's language. Those boys were probably trying to get a reaction out of pearl-clutchers.

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 02/03/2023 08:00

They're fifteen year old boys.

I'd be more surprised if they weren't swearing!

WhyIsBogdanSexy · 02/03/2023 08:00

Bring 15 is all about showing you ain't a fucking kid anymore whilst still basically living like one at home with your meals cooked and going to school where you call the teachers sir and miss and answer to them. So when you get with your mates you act out being an adult.

Yes as an actual adult you find it crass and annoying but honestly I think back to my teen years with utter cringe and just thank god the adults I knew then have forgiven me Blush

FuckoffeeBeforeCoffee · 02/03/2023 08:01

"Swearword" isn't a fucking word.

WhyIsBogdanSexy · 02/03/2023 08:01

*being

immergeradeaus · 02/03/2023 08:02

It's a very normal thing for their stage of development. I'd shrug it off.

Logburnerperils · 02/03/2023 08:03

Teens swear as a form of rebellion. I guess they would probably find you boring so it all equals out.

Original poster
ImJustMadAboutSaffron · 02/03/2023 08:06

These kids are just an example. I've heard grown blokes do it too (usually in groups on the way to the football!). I think they're still 15 inside.

Conversation on the train has now moved on to shagging sheep.

OP posts:
Somebodiesmother · 02/03/2023 08:12

Well they are not trying to entertain you so it doesn't matter if you find them boring.

Snoopinator · 02/03/2023 08:13

I'm sure plenty of peeps fing you boring, OP 😄

Thepeopleversuswork · 02/03/2023 08:14

Yeah I mean they are teenagers… It can be a bit grating but what are you going to do.

Slight digression but I dislike the way people describe swearing as “boring” because it implies that it is supposed to be an act of epic rebellion or an up yours to the establishment.

It’s just a pressure valve for most of us. It’s not intended to shock and amaze.

Eranzer · 02/03/2023 08:17

I'm somebody who swears in every single sentence I use (and have to consciously make an effort to not swear when I'm talking to DC or at work!)
I agree it's actually quite vile. It's just become such a habit, I say swear words without even thinking!

Worldgonecrazy · 02/03/2023 08:18

‘Fucking’ is used as an adjective by those who don’t get to use it as a verb 😆

Original poster
ImJustMadAboutSaffron · 02/03/2023 08:18

Snoopinator · 02/03/2023 08:13

I'm sure plenty of peeps fing you boring, OP 😄

Perhaps, but that's not the point of this thread.

OP posts:
PortiasBiscuit · 02/03/2023 08:21

This is why God invented noise cancelling earphones.

Snoopinator · 02/03/2023 08:22

ImJustMadAboutSaffron · 02/03/2023 08:18

Perhaps, but that's not the point of this thread.

Show quote history

No, the point of this thread is to out yourself as far too easily bored and also judgmental. Get a life.

SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 02/03/2023 08:23

Don't listen to other people's conversations perhaps?

WhatALightbulbMoment · 02/03/2023 08:26

I don't expect polite language from teenagers but I do get annoyed when adults can't say a normal sentence without swearing. I was listening to a podcast the other day and the two adults chatting seemed incapable of going more than 60 seconds without swearing unnecessarily. Why do it when it adds absolutely nothing to the conversation? Swearing does have a place but not in everyday mundane conversations.

Jooliusreezer · 02/03/2023 08:30

I don’t really see how it’s ‘boring’?

I have an extensive vocabulary, including a wide and colourful selection of swear words. You’d never be bored with my swearing.

futureproofer · 02/03/2023 08:31

I would agree with you OP and these kids need some self-awareness when in public spaces. I would probably tell them they sound stupid and it's not appreciated. Someone has to!

Kranke · 02/03/2023 08:34

Read a book, watch a show, listen to music. Why are you paying so much attention to what some teenage children are saying, your life can’t be that dull surely?

Snoopinator · 02/03/2023 08:35

futureproofer · 02/03/2023 08:31

I would agree with you OP and these kids need some self-awareness when in public spaces. I would probably tell them they sound stupid and it's not appreciated. Someone has to!

That'll go down well 😁. Then you can whinge on here about their reaction.

Catspyjamas17 · 02/03/2023 08:36

I find it fucking brilliant at times.

futureproofer · 02/03/2023 08:37

Well you can hardly miss it on a train! Why should the OP have to deal with it? The onus is on other people (these boys) to have basic manners and awareness of other people around them in the first place.