Language

[radegund]

I swear a lot. No, really, a lot. I mean, not at work, or in other contexts where it isn't appropriate, but in general conversation I'm usually among the most foul-mouthed participants. I get it mainly from my father. Also my teddy-bear, who used to turn the air blue - in fact, I got put out on the stairs (the all-purpose punishment in our house) on numerous occasions for things that Flaubert had said.

So now I'm wondering: should I tone it down when my son is learning to talk? What do you think?

[Poll #368139]

Please expand on your answer below!

Comments

[radegund.livejournal.com]

If you ever swear *at* him and fail to immediately apologise, I will disown you.

Agreed.

"Mammy," (lisped sweetly on the number 46A bus at rush hour), "why is it ok for you to say Fucking Gobshites but I'm not allowed?"

See, my anti-authoritarian side is inclined to answer, "You're right, that's hypocritical. OK, from now on, you're allowed to use whatever words you feel best express what you want to say. Just be aware that swear words will evoke an unpleasant reaction in certain contexts. I'll happily discuss this issue with you, any time, because I find language fascinating."

Kids know all about context. And mine will probably grow up insufferable misfits, just like their mammy was when she was small :-)

[ailbhe]

My point is that you may want to stop swearing in front of him until he's old enough to appreciate context, because I doubt you think it's approriate for him to beam charmingly at the nice lady behind the counter and say "e'o, fu'in hoor!" and banning him while allowing you will result in conversations that draw public attention to your hypocrisy.