Swearing in public has transformed from social insult to a powerful communication tool, finds research

In the last two decades, swearing has gained wider acceptance, evolving beyond its traditional role of mere insult, assert linguistics experts. Commonly used expletives like “fuck” and “shit” in the UK are now frequently employed not solely to offend but rather to emphasise points in conversations or build social connections, according to academic researchers.

According to a report, this observation came after an incident where BBC presenter Mishal Husain used explicit language seven times in under a minute during an interview with Home Secretary James Cleverly on Radio 4’s Today program. The interview delved into accusations against Cleverly, including whether he had referred to a person or place as a “shit-hole.”

Dr. Robbie Love, an English Language lecturer at Aston University, emphasises the contextual nature of swearing, stating that its acceptability depends on how it is used. His research indicates that swearing in casual conversation often serves purposes such as expressing surprise, creating humor, showing solidarity, or, in some cases, abusing someone.

Love suggests that Husain’s use of explicit language in the interview could be a strategic choice to unsettle Cleverly and not necessarily to cause offense. He argues that the specific meaning of swearwords is diminishing as people increasingly use them in generic phrases, reducing their impact to offend.

Yehuda Baruch, a management professor at the University of Southampton, adds insight from his research with professionals. Swearing, he notes, is employed to enhance team cohesion, alleviate stress, and emphasize points. Baruch acknowledges the calculated use of swearing for attention, exemplified by figures like Elon Musk.