In my experience, it seems that cursing is rarer in general American society than other countries, although it's prevelent throughout the American arts - film and music - exported to the rest of the world, and also in certain subcultures.
In Ireland however, 'fork' is as common as a comma. In Australia and parts of England it's very common as well.
But that's just been my experience.
I am generally not offended by swearing. I've had a fierce disagreement on the matter of swearing with the Pastor of my church. I don't see it as a problem. How can a word be intrinsically offensive? The same consonants and vowels may occur in another language and be totally harmless.
Like 'Barbie". In "Strine" (Australian) It's a BBQ. It also may be a doll. In Malay and Indonesian it's a Pig, and is highly offensive.
It's also more offensive to call someone a 'Bitch' (which is metaphoric) than a 'Slut' (which could be libel perceived as truth) in Singapore.
Japan doesn't have individual words that are offensive. It's the context that makes a sentance offensive.
Which goes back to my take, that no word is intrinsically offensive. It's the SPIRIT behind a word which carries offense. The intent. If offense is desired, any derogatory word can offend. If humor is intended, a swear word can be very funny. Humorous. [img]smile.gif[/img]
Now, that said. I had a close female companion call me a 'ctnu' in rage and anger more than once, and it was the most offensive thing said to me. The pure unadulterated malice and desire to hurt, coupled with the harsh sound of the word and the hate in her eyes, made it a pretty aweful experience,especially considering it was delivered from the same mouth that would profess love for me.
Not good.
