Free Range by Bill Whitehead for November 01, 2021

“Cursed” for life.

Once asked my high school latin teacher to tell me the very best latin curse. He was a priest so the best I got was, “Cum vim Hercules!”

Pretty sure the first words were what would now be considered foul language.

Cursing and swearing may make you feel better (in the moment) – but may also injure those who have to hear it (in that same moment).

There is no doubt which came first, the curse word or the mechanic. Mechanics are born swearing. In fact they teach truckers and sailors how to curse.

If I’d a been there I could have made some suggestions.

Inarticulate screaming works perfectly well.

And the first swear word will probably mention an activity they love. Never understood that.

“Son of a monkey!” is an original.

“Under certain circumstances, urgent circumstances, desperate circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer.”

“When angry, count to four; when very angry, swear.” —Mark Twain

Someone, somewhere decided that certain words were curse words. And, as soon as they were invented, of course, people started saying them for shock value. Human nature.

I would think that would be the moment that they were invented and then modified as language changed.

He looks like a monkey’s uncle.

I know some who swear like a drunken sailor….

Well, you have a name for them, that’s a start.

Not until someone invents cable tv.

Sometimes when frustrated, I’ve said nonsense sounds or typed random letters.

That’s why you stick your thumb in your mouth, after you smash it – to keep from swearing:‑X