Is it a generational thing?

Maggie and so satisfying

Just read through all these, and I feel quite a freak, I just don't swear, never have, and it would not come easy for me to do so, I think. My grandmother swore at us all the time as children, so I know all the words, even the modern ones, listening to various conversations, so I suppose really it is a question of habit, rather than the 'meaning' of the words. Interestingly enough, our son, who doesn't talk, manages the word 'bugger' beautifully, if he happens to hurt himself in some way or the other. No idea where it got that from.

'Meaning' is exactly what's important to me. If I say fuck when I drop a hammer on my toe (if!) it doesn't mean the same thing as if I'd told someone angrily to fuck off.

Oh swearing is part of my everyday. I never swear abusively, only in frustration (mostly). You know, the dropped cup (or the dropped stitch!), the phone call just as you've sat down, the rain when you've got a lineful of washing - a muttered 'for fuck's sake' is my usual response to these things .
I totally agree with thatbags - it's all about context. Use any word in an abusive manner and it's offensive. The usage is offensive, not the word.
I hate the idea of something being "generational" because that seems extraordinarily narrow and limiting - yes, Mamie, how very true. Though I do think with age we generally become a little more relaxed and accepting of some things, and the knee doesn't jerk quite as readily as it once did.
I often pop across to MN and love to lurk on threads, giggling to myself at the rapid crossfire and breakneck speed of some discussions. It is fun! And since the arrival of GC I have found the site is very useful for advice, shared experiences, reviews and so on.

Oh dear. I swear more than I should usually in frustration at life and frustrating people and my computer when it does not do what I want it to. and when other drivers drive too close or I hurt myself.
I need to reform! Wash my mouth out with soap and water.

"Is it a generational thing" My 6year old GD loves to shock with her swear words. Her latest favorite is, wanker. My 9 year old GS wouldn't dream of swearing.?

Interesting the way this thread has largely focused on swearing!

Lily I was about to say the same. Although swearing is common on Msnet, and the discussions are generally pretty robust, there only has to be the slightest hint, intended or otherwise, of racism, sexism or any kind of -ism and posters take offence in droves.

There's an interesting thread going at the moment where posters are going crazy in a debate over a child being given an emergency lift by a GRANDMOTHER!!! WTAF