Are Catholics allowed to say bad words?

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Alright, I think I found the answers I was looking for. Thanks to all who posted.
 
JackieMom said:
Not sure what you’re saying. When I choose to use a cuss word, I always make sure it’s in the most unambiguous context. I wouldn’t go to a job interview and drop the “f” word, or use it in casual conversation with strangers, but having a few glasses of wine with my sisters? Telling my husband about something that’s really upsetting me? Coming up with the perfect text response to a friend who is having a rough day? I don’t think I’m misconstruing my meaning there.
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Okay. Back to basics. The meaning of words. 🙂

The “f” word refers to the sex act, right? So, it would be inappropriate to use the “f” word except when referring to the sex act, right? So, you could say to your husband, “I am in the mood for a good “f”.” That would be a perfectly appropriate use of that word, especially if it’s a word that helps him get in the mood, too.

Likewise, the “s” word refers to what is produced by a bowel movement, so you could share with your sister, "“This breakfast cereal helps the kids have a moist, full “s” before they leave for school, and keeps their colons nice and clean.”

But to use it in place of anything else (ie: to use either of those words when what you meant to say was, “I didn’t like that very much,” or “I had a lot of fun with that” is to abuse the language of our Anglo-Saxon ancestors.

🙂
 
JackieMom said:
No one is suggesting we replace clinical terms with cuss words. But no one says, “oh, bowel movement!!” when they stub their toe on the leg of the bed.
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If you stub your toe on the leg of the bed, it has nothing to do with your bowel movement, so you should say, “OW, that hurts!” 🙂
 
jmcrae said:
Okay. Back to basics. The meaning of words. 🙂

The “f” word refers to the sex act, right? So, it would be inappropriate to use the “f” word except when referring to the sex act, right? So, you could say to your husband, “I am in the mood for a good “f”.” That would be a perfectly appropriate use of that word, especially if it’s a word that helps him get in the mood, too.

Likewise, the “s” word refers to what is produced by a bowel movement, so you could share with your sister, "“This breakfast cereal helps the kids have a moist, full “s” before they leave for school, and keeps their colons nice and clean.”

But to use it in place of anything else (ie: to use either of those words when what you meant to say was, “I didn’t like that very much,” or “I had a lot of fun with that” is to abuse the language of our Anglo-Saxon ancestors.

🙂
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Then I guess we shouldn’t say things like "good golly! “oh, brother” “for the love of Pete…” or “that’s so cool!” anymore. Every culture has idioms, slang, and has appropriated words into second meanings. Everyone knows that “oh, s***!” Is an expression of shock, pain or serious dismay - not just another word for feces. I mean, come on.
 
JackieMom said:
Then I guess we shouldn’t say things like "good golly! “oh, brother” “for the love of Pete…” or “that’s so cool!” anymore.
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Right, exactly. Say what you mean. Mean what you say. Don’t use slang or meaningless syllables.
 
jmcrae said:
Okay. Back to basics. The meaning of words. 🙂

The “f” word refers to the sex act, right? So, it would be inappropriate to use the “f” word except when referring to the sex act, right? So, you could say to your husband, “I am in the mood for a good “f”.” That would be a perfectly appropriate use of that word, especially if it’s a word that helps him get in the mood, too.

Likewise, the “s” word refers to what is produced by a bowel movement, so you could share with your sister, "“This breakfast cereal helps the kids have a moist, full “s” before they leave for school, and keeps their colons nice and clean.”

But to use it in place of anything else (ie: to use either of those words when what you meant to say was, “I didn’t like that very much,” or “I had a lot of fun with that” is to abuse the language of our Anglo-Saxon ancestors.

🙂
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Hahaha, good point there. I tend to disagree and say slang and idioms are an important part of language. What should I say when I stub my toe if I can’t say ‘s***’?
 
jimmy said:
Hahaha, good point there. I tend to disagree and say slang and idioms are an important part of language. What should I say when I stub my toe if I can’t say ‘s***’?
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What’s wrong with “Ouch!” 🙂
 
AHapka said:
I once had a friend who liked to use the Lord’s name in vain. So I started using his name everytime I got mad. I’d say XXXXXXXXXXXXX! (where X=his name). He got sooo mad you wouldn’t believe it.

So how do you think God feels?
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brilliant!!!
 
I try to avoid cuss words and I even minimize the use of slang. I encounter a lot of people for whom English is a second language and slang impedes clear communication. As a result I have a broader vocabulary and I’m more articulate. And when I ultimately drop the f-bomb, you know with certainty that I’m ticked off.
 
Are Catholics allowed to say bad words?
Of course we’re allowed. We can sin in any which way we want.😛

But the point of our lives here on earth is to become saints. Forget Purgatory. Become a saint. Use saintly language.
That is what we should be striving for.
 
It’s all about context.

fing c aimed at someone in malice is not acceptable.

Merely exclaiming “for f***s sake” is in my opinion harmless.

People know that when I swear there is no malice, anger or crude intentions in my words.

Some of you would hate to live in Ireland. 😉
 
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