How did curse words come about?

Answer 1

Swearing originated from the natural human desire to exclaim if things go wrong or hurt. Derogatory descriptions, insults, and exclamations were included along the way, to verbally express upsetting emotions, especially anger. Sometimes these were aimed at other individuals or groups, or to no one in particular.

"Dirty" or offensive words have a variety of sources, from names for fecal matter, to sexual or anatomical descriptions, to illicit or unsavory behavior. Some sources are apocryphal and many are "backronyms" (explanations that occur well after the word is in common use).

Example : s hit

Backronym : For the transport of manure by ship, it was dried first. However, it could regain moisture from leaks and give off methane gas. The gas would collect in the hold and sometimes explode. To avoid this manure shipments would be labeled "Store High In Transit".

Language is a magical thing - it allows us to know what another person is thinking. (No animal has language, or anything like it).

Sometimes the words we say even make things happen in the real world. When a Justice of the Peace says 'I now pronounce you man and wife' his words end your single status. (This is called Deictic language). Because language is so powerful, people are naturally afraid of certain words. Usually these words will be about processes that people fear anyway (again because they are powerful). People fear sex, because it can mess your life up. They fear excretion, because it can contaminate you. And they fear God, because most gods in history have been downright mean. So sex, excretion and God cover most cuss words.

Technically, "curse words" are words that put a curse on you. Even non-superstitious people don't like being put under a curse.

The impact of hurtful words can be as painful as being physically struck. This has had a civilizing effect, allowing angry people to 'fight' each other with words instead of fists. Therefore, we should be glad there is cursing, swearing and dirty words available to release strong emotions without physical damage to people or property!