The “F” Word

The “F” Word

In recent years, I have noticed that profanity, especially the explosive use of the “F” word, has become a common practice by many, including politicians, singers (especially rappers), comedians, women, and, sadly, teenage girls. Just in case you don’t know which “F” word I am talking about, yes, it’s the one you might think. It rhymes with duck.

I spent nearly 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, including six weeks of basic training. I spent about the same number of years bowling in men’s leagues and participating in men’s bowling tournaments. I worked in a state prison for a year and a half, surrounded by inmates.

All of those environments are known for the freestyle use of four-letter words. So, it’s safe to say I do not have virgin ears. Over the years, I have been around a lot of unfiltered language.

An old saying goes like this: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. That saying could not be more wrong. Yes, I think using words like the “F” word and other words of profanity in our everyday conversations does hurt people. Not physically, but in terms of respectability and reputation, because it hurts the respectability and reputation of the one using such language.

I cringe every time I hear a man use the “F” word in mixed company or when it’s used around children or senior citizens who are not used to such language. For me, it shows a lack of class. Athra Albattat, a mental health counselor, states that class is how a person presents themselves to the world. The way they speak is a major factor in class. In my opinion, a classy person has a clean, expansive vocabulary, free of profanity.

I am reminded of what someone once said to a teammate of mine about me. He told my teammate, “Gene has too much class for this league.” I’m not sure what he meant by that, but I seldom used profanity, and when I did, it was probably “dammit,” and I was bowling in a league with a bunch of rowdy guys.

I did not tell you that to elevate my reputation, or to show that I think I am better than anyone else. I use that as an example of how one’s reputation can be tied to what one says or what one doesn’t say in public.   

I think one reason the “F” word has become popular to use is that the “F” word is an extremely versatile word. Using inflection with the “F” word gives it many different meanings. It can mean approval, disapproval, agreement, happiness, sadness, anger, astonishment, agreement with, and other connotations simply by how the word is said.

The “F” word is probably the most versatile word in the English language, but that doesn’t mean it is said without a cost. It cheapens language, insults dignity, and diminishes respect. 

I recently watched a few episodes of the television series “Yellowstone.” I heard great things about that show, so I wanted to see what all the hoopla was about that show. What caught me by surprise while watching “Yellowstone” was how much profanity there was in a regular public TV broadcast.

The “F” word and other profanities are plentiful in the “ Yellowstone” television series. We have come a long way from the days of the Andy Griffith Show and Archie Bunker, and I don’t think that is a good thing. 

I know things change. Our society is smoking less, communicating more, and accepting different lifestyles without prejudice. All of those are good things. But, as a society, we have become indifferent to the classless use of profanity, particularly the “F” word, in public and in mixed company.

I also know that open profanity and the common use of the “F” word are here to stay. But class and respect are still virtues, and perhaps someday, class and respect will govern the flagrant use of the “F” word.

This commentary is not meant to lambaste those who choose to use the “F” word as a common language. Shazam, I’m just giving you, my perspective.