Dear Jacquelyn, Why all the “f-bombs” in casual conversation, by popular contemporary performers in concert, and on T-Shirts and decals? I cannot help but wonder: Are we becoming accustomed to the F-bomb in our everyday language? What is your take on the F-Bomb seemingly in everyday use?

Dear Reader, There’s a reason we call it the “f-bomb.” Like a bomb, the profanity beginning with “f” can be a mighty weapon. Dropping an f-bomb isn’t illegal so to speak, but it is offensive and makes me wonder about the person using it and their judgment.

Saying an occasional cuss word is one thing. However, when we do something repeatedly it becomes part of who we are and this is one habit that we need to be mindful of.

If we drop the f-bomb occasionally, it’s likely going to spill over to our everyday conversations. We inevitably loose our filter and this affects the people in earshot of our bad mouth. I would say anyone with a good upbringing would try to find alternatives that are less offensive.

Swearing is used as a means to express emotion. If impact and emotion are what a person is going for, why not choose words that aren’t offensive? There are plenty of ways to make a point without cussing.

When I hear people using cuss words, they come across as having not developed a sufficient vocabulary to say what they had in mind.

When it comes to contemporary performers in concert, perhaps some artists feel it is part of the creative art process, hoping to make an impact and impression. Perhaps they are using the f-bomb to keep the audience’s attention.

This, to me, seems ridiculous, since overuse of the f-bomb only creates desensitization and the word inevitably loses its power. Language is influenced by age, class, culture, and environment. It’s possible the performer’s goal is to appeal to a younger, hipper audience.

I’m not aware of any rating system similar to movie ratings that applies to concert performances.

I would hope that parents of minors use good judgment and do their homework before sending their young ones off to a concert if they are concerned about inappropriate language. With social media, movies, and music driving this unfortunate language, today’s younger crowd perhaps doesn’t consider it inappropriate to hear it or say it.

T-Shirts, decals, and other novelties that promote the f-bomb sell simply because shock value sells. It’s possible that they believe they are being original by expressing their opinions and thoughts for everyone to see. Some people have no boundaries that govern what is appropriate. I can’t think of one good reason why you would want to present yourself in a negative light.

Speaking for myself, I lose a great deal of respect for a person who drops the f-bomb when there are so many other words that would work much better.

Respectfully Yours, Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation. All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2018 Jacquelyn Youst