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AIBU?

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Original poster

Boss told me off for exclaiming Jesus Christ

614 replies

GloMum · 08/02/2025 14:55

The other day my boss told me off for exclaiming Jesus Christ when I was surprised during a work meeting. Boss told me it’s rude towards people from different religions and asked me if I’d done my DEI training. I have, and I enjoy friendships with colleagues from varied backgrounds. I feel really stressed now in case I slip again, and embarrassed I should be told off.

YABU - This is an inappropriate exclamation at work
YANBU - It’s just an exclamation and you shouldn’t be told off for that.

OP posts:
hihelenhi · 08/02/2025 21:00

Drfosters · 08/02/2025 20:52

Usually people swear at their desks muttering under their breath at something that has gone wrong- happens a lot. I don’t think anyone would use them in a formal meeting (but not unheard of I expect) . I don’t recall saying that that happens. You have described the exact scenario I described.

I absolutely would change my words if someone can explain why they are offensive and so far no one had. Just saying it is offensive just doesn’t mean it is. as I said previously my grandmother found the word ‘knackered’ the most offensive of words. If you uttered it you got a severe telling off. I found this odd as I used it to mean very tired but she attributed a different meaning to it. If she was in an office would she have had to right to tell you not to use it?

Show quote history

Why do you think you have the right TO use it?

Drfosters · 08/02/2025 21:01

hihelenhi · 08/02/2025 21:00

Why do you think you have the right TO use it?

Show quote history

Why does anyone have the right to use any words?

buybuysellsell · 08/02/2025 21:11

Next time just play it safe and say "fuck me!".

hihelenhi · 08/02/2025 21:13

Drfosters · 08/02/2025 21:01

Why does anyone have the right to use any words?

Show quote history

We are talking about in a workplace setting specifically though. And I've explained already that some words do function as expletives historically and culturally. I'm not sure why you're finding that hard to understand. Most languages, as I say, do have "taboo" words that are used as expletives.

And you appear to acknowledge that yes, even in your workplace most people DO actually have a boundary about what is appropriate and what isn't in whichever setting - you differentiated between muttering under their breath, say, and what they'd say in a business meeting.

In the UK, we are generally much swearier as a rule than most of our international counterparts. In my most recent corporate world, we dealt with a lot of US colleagues, for whom "cursing" is generally seen as more offensive - especially the religious type, as it's a more religious country. To say the wrong thing to the wrong person could be genuinely detrimental to good business relationships. That is why it is sensible and considered good etiquette to keep things neutral and professional. Not just in terms of use or not of expletives, but it's why the "no politics, no religion" maxim in the office is usually a good one. As I say, in diverse workplaces where people are a range of backgrounds, ages, belief systems, you simply cannot assume that everyone sees things the same way you do and cares and doesn't care about the same things. That's part of what being a professional adult is about.

Tryingtokeepgoing · 08/02/2025 21:15

Drfosters · 08/02/2025 20:52

Usually people swear at their desks muttering under their breath at something that has gone wrong- happens a lot. I don’t think anyone would use them in a formal meeting (but not unheard of I expect) . I don’t recall saying that that happens. You have described the exact scenario I described.

I absolutely would change my words if someone can explain why they are offensive and so far no one had. Just saying it is offensive just doesn’t mean it is. as I said previously my grandmother found the word ‘knackered’ the most offensive of words. If you uttered it you got a severe telling off. I found this odd as I used it to mean very tired but she attributed a different meaning to it. If she was in an office would she have had to right to tell you not to use it?

Show quote history

Seeing as the OP specifically mentioned being called up on the use of it a meeting, that’s the context of my comments. You might be shifting that to more general use, but I expect that it’s in the context of the original post that most people are questioning the appropriateness of the phrase. Regardless, I’ve never thought or said that it’s offensive, I just think it’s unprofessional and would fully expect to be pulled up on it if used in a meeting :)

hihelenhi · 08/02/2025 21:17

Tryingtokeepgoing · 08/02/2025 21:15

Seeing as the OP specifically mentioned being called up on the use of it a meeting, that’s the context of my comments. You might be shifting that to more general use, but I expect that it’s in the context of the original post that most people are questioning the appropriateness of the phrase. Regardless, I’ve never thought or said that it’s offensive, I just think it’s unprofessional and would fully expect to be pulled up on it if used in a meeting :)

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Exactly! I swear like a trooper, personally, but this is about professionalism and a specific business setting.

pimplebum · 08/02/2025 21:20

on a daily basis I evoke Jesus

my favourite saying is from Pam e la from gavin and Stacey “ oh my christ !” Sums up my life perfectly

for me its calling him to be by my side and not in any way insulting him or Christians

however, I have recently learnt that some fundamentalists are offended by this exclamation and would not use it in unfamiliar surroundings

end of the day he’s told you off and is your boss so while he’s a bit of a knob I’d rein in your outrageous potty mouth 😄

Tryingtokeepgoing · 08/02/2025 21:22

hihelenhi · 08/02/2025 21:13

We are talking about in a workplace setting specifically though. And I've explained already that some words do function as expletives historically and culturally. I'm not sure why you're finding that hard to understand. Most languages, as I say, do have "taboo" words that are used as expletives.

And you appear to acknowledge that yes, even in your workplace most people DO actually have a boundary about what is appropriate and what isn't in whichever setting - you differentiated between muttering under their breath, say, and what they'd say in a business meeting.

In the UK, we are generally much swearier as a rule than most of our international counterparts. In my most recent corporate world, we dealt with a lot of US colleagues, for whom "cursing" is generally seen as more offensive - especially the religious type, as it's a more religious country. To say the wrong thing to the wrong person could be genuinely detrimental to good business relationships. That is why it is sensible and considered good etiquette to keep things neutral and professional. Not just in terms of use or not of expletives, but it's why the "no politics, no religion" maxim in the office is usually a good one. As I say, in diverse workplaces where people are a range of backgrounds, ages, belief systems, you simply cannot assume that everyone sees things the same way you do and cares and doesn't care about the same things. That's part of what being a professional adult is about.

Show quote history

Exactly! In an international context particularly but also in general, communication needs to be clear. Using local idioms, slang or jargon just introduces a risk of miscommunication. I can imagine some cultures interpreting the phrase ‘jesus christ’ as a superlative not a pejorative or emphasising phrase, thus having exactly the opposite effect to that the speaker intended.

CurlewKate · 08/02/2025 21:28

@Drfosters "I don’t think anyone would use them in a formal meeting (but not unheard of I expect) "

But that is exactly the context the OP is talking about-at a meeting!

CurlewKate · 08/02/2025 21:31

And as to why it's offensive to some, it's "taking the Lord's name in vain" which is breaking one of the 10 Commandments. Which some Christians would not want to hear.

Drfosters · 08/02/2025 21:32

CurlewKate · 08/02/2025 21:28

@Drfosters "I don’t think anyone would use them in a formal meeting (but not unheard of I expect) "

But that is exactly the context the OP is talking about-at a meeting!

But the issue wasn’t so much the meeting but the use of the phrase which presumably was banned in the meeting and in the wider office

the question is essentially should the phrase be banned?

Original poster
GloMum · 08/02/2025 22:02

Just to clarify! Meeting was just between me and the boss, sharing some updates on team changes. We normally enjoy a pretty informal communication but yes, professional set up

OP posts:
HipMax · 08/02/2025 22:02

hihelenhi · 08/02/2025 21:13

We are talking about in a workplace setting specifically though. And I've explained already that some words do function as expletives historically and culturally. I'm not sure why you're finding that hard to understand. Most languages, as I say, do have "taboo" words that are used as expletives.

And you appear to acknowledge that yes, even in your workplace most people DO actually have a boundary about what is appropriate and what isn't in whichever setting - you differentiated between muttering under their breath, say, and what they'd say in a business meeting.

In the UK, we are generally much swearier as a rule than most of our international counterparts. In my most recent corporate world, we dealt with a lot of US colleagues, for whom "cursing" is generally seen as more offensive - especially the religious type, as it's a more religious country. To say the wrong thing to the wrong person could be genuinely detrimental to good business relationships. That is why it is sensible and considered good etiquette to keep things neutral and professional. Not just in terms of use or not of expletives, but it's why the "no politics, no religion" maxim in the office is usually a good one. As I say, in diverse workplaces where people are a range of backgrounds, ages, belief systems, you simply cannot assume that everyone sees things the same way you do and cares and doesn't care about the same things. That's part of what being a professional adult is about.

Show quote history

Actually, being a professional adult is about knowing people are going to say things you don't like and just...not doing anything. You're offended by an extremely common phrase? Ok, it's your right to be offended. But be a professional adult and be offended in your own head, on your own time. You can have whatever thoughts you want and just....not voice them.

It's not even very hard.

HipMax · 08/02/2025 22:04

Tryingtokeepgoing · 08/02/2025 20:18

I’m not in the slightest bit religious, but it’s clear to me that any expletive in a professional setting is unprofessional, and us such surely one ought to expect to be pulled up on it, regardless of whether or not anyone is personally offended. No one really goes round saying ‘oh for fucks sake’, ‘jesus christ’, ‘bloody hell’, ‘c*nt’, ‘wanker’ or any other expletive in meetings do they? A building site, maybe. A garage, perhaps. On a sports field, almost certainly. Between colleagues, in private, occasionally. But in a group meeting at work?

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Yes, we absolutely completely do. Daily. Hourly.
Please do not come to Ireland if you don't like it. It's our culture and we'll be very offended if you complain about it.
Stay out of Italy too. And Spain. And Australia. Probably lots of other places.

SuzieQ300 · 08/02/2025 22:10

Reminds me of that Life of Brian sketch :)

MajorCarolDanvers · 08/02/2025 22:21

My Christian husband would be very offended by you saying that.

AubernFable · 08/02/2025 22:30

CurlewKate · 08/02/2025 21:31

And as to why it's offensive to some, it's "taking the Lord's name in vain" which is breaking one of the 10 Commandments. Which some Christians would not want to hear.

The issue with this is it’s only christians that are expected to follow the 10 commandments, not the rest of the population. You can’t expect atheists and those of other faiths to follow your religious teachings as not to offend- thats unreasonable.

I can understand you would not say it, or even like to hear it and thats fine but other people saying it is honestly not your problem. At school they would’ve said “That’s between them and god”.

LovelySunnyDayToday · 08/02/2025 22:36

MudpiesinEssex · 08/02/2025 15:03

It's not even as if you shouted "Jesus fucking Christ and all the cunts of Hell!" is it?

🤣🤣🤣

LovelySunnyDayToday · 08/02/2025 22:37

Pollyanna87 · 08/02/2025 15:05

Blasphemous language is the most offensive language you can use around colleagues.

I'm sure there's more offensive things one could say.

Moier · 08/02/2025 22:39

My Dad wasn't particularly religious but that's one thing he would pull us up on.
I don't like it either.
Nor do l like " Oh my God".
I say " oh my gosh".
( I'm religious).

Patterncarmen · 08/02/2025 22:46

Moier · 08/02/2025 22:39

My Dad wasn't particularly religious but that's one thing he would pull us up on.
I don't like it either.
Nor do l like " Oh my God".
I say " oh my gosh".
( I'm religious).

Gosh (gosh) is a euphemistic alterations of the word God or, in the case of gee, Jesus. Its usage originated in about 1750. Strictly, you are still taking God’s name in vain. I guess you could say Oh bother instead.

HipMax · 08/02/2025 23:04

MajorCarolDanvers · 08/02/2025 22:21

My Christian husband would be very offended by you saying that.

And?

(Also, how does he cope with daily life if he's terribly offended by such a commonplace phrase)

HungerGames · 08/02/2025 23:06

InterIgnis · 08/02/2025 15:56

It’s no great mystery. Religious heritage reflects in the common vernacular.

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Exactly. I'm am Irish lapsed Catholic, and say 'please God' all the time, as it's just a turn of phrase really. Likewise I say Jesus christ oh my god, mother of God, holy God, Jesus Mary and Joseph, and so on many times a day without at thought. Including at work. No-one bats an eye. They are the leftovers of a formerly religious country.

Moonmelodies · 08/02/2025 23:10

CurlewKate · 08/02/2025 21:31

And as to why it's offensive to some, it's "taking the Lord's name in vain" which is breaking one of the 10 Commandments. Which some Christians would not want to hear.

Can't you forgive them?